Tea Time for the Cool -Minazuki-

As you may know, washoku, traditional dietary cultures of the Japanese, was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2013. One of the notable values which was recognized is this; emphasis of the beauty of nature in the presentation. Wagashi (traditional Japanese confectionery) has the same value too. 

The sweets called “minazuki” is a must around the end of June, especially for people in Kyoto. It's a triangle-shaped sweet rice jelly topped with sweet red beans. It is said that red beans drive away evil spirits and the triangle shape represents ice-cubes in order to temper the heat. First, enjoy the cool from the eye, and then satisfy your mouth with a cup of tea. This is the one of the ways people have endured sweltering heat from old times. I like that:-)

Minazuki

Matcha or Maccha

Do you spell “matcha” or “maccha"?

The other day, I was asked which one is correct from the perspective of Japanese language. I replied, “I guess either is fine." 

As long as I know, the spelling of “matcha” is more common while the other one is not often seen here in Japan. However, I just learned that a new tearoom opened in Kyoto. It is named “Maccha House.”  ------  OK, I have to research now. 

Japanese language has a double [long] consonant known as sokuon that English doesn’t. In order to represent sokuon in English, there is a basic rule that the consonant has to be doubled. (based on Hepburn System) For example; 

* kite ( "come") – /kite/

* kitte ( "postage stamp") – /kitːe/ or /kitte/

* asari ( "clams") – /asaɽi/

*  assari ( "easily") – /asːaɽi/ or /assaɽi/                       (Reference: Wikipedia)

If you follow this rule, “maccha” seems to be correct, but there is an exception. In case of the sound of “cha”, ”chi”, “chu”, “che” and “cho”, the letter of “t” has to be added before them. It means “cha” has to be “tcha” to represent a double [long] consonant.

I know it’s confusing and not clear. Sorry! The point is, according to my research, “matcha (ma-t-cha)” is considered grammatically correct. Let me take back my reply, saying "Either is fine". Again, this is just from my research. I will not bear full responsibility even if it is not 100% right, but ......allow me to say, "I'll take matcha."

Instant Powder for Matcha Ice cream

Brush Your Tea-th Clean !?

You know tea can be anything, and now “tea stuff” is everywhere. I know you won’t be surprised to see this. But..... please allow me to post about this. It’s a tea toothpaste. 

After enjoying tea latte, eating matcha ice cream, having tea-flavored sweets with tea and whatever, brush your teeth with the tea toothpaste. It will be your perfect tea day!!

Which "Variety" Would You Like?

Yabukita has been the most common variety for tea produced in Japan. But it is not only one now. Sofu, okumidori, saemidori, koshun, ujimidori, shizu7132, to name but a few. 

Every variety has not only its own character but its own health benefit which could give us. For example,      

Saemidori: a relaxing effect (infused by the lower temperature water is recommended)
Benifuki: to help alleviate hay fever (infused by high temperature water is recommended)
Yutakamidori: to improve the power to resist disease ( water infused is recommended)
Sofu : to help improve cognitive function                       etc...

Tea is not considered as a medicine in the field of the modern medical care, but it is good to know that "our (potential ?!) everyday drink" can help keep your health. Pick up the variety according to your condition:-)

Tsukigase tea farm

Matcha Beer Garden

Unseasonably hot in Japan this year..... I’m sure some people cannot survive without beer. 

by GREEN TEA RESTAURANT 1899 OCHANOMIZU

As Japanese love beer,  a “beer garden” gets very busy when it's hot. Wikipedia says that beer garden is an outdoor area in which beer and local food are served, typically at shared tables. Whatever it is….it is popular here.

I don’t drink. Even so, this looks interesting…..which is “Matcha Beer Garden” at “GREEN TEA RESTAURANT 1899 OCHANOMIZU” in Tokyo.

They serve three different Matcha beer and other six kinds. Also you can enjoy about 60 kinds of food that tea is used in as an ingredient.If you are curious about this beer garden, you should go by September 30.

Matcha potate salad - by GREEN TEA RESTAURANT 1899 OCHANOMIZU

Green Tea Refines the Palate

I saw an interesting TV program taking up some issues that non-Japanese people question about concerning Japanese. One of the issues was this;  “Why do Japanese people drink such a bitter drink every day?” 

Unfortunately, I didn’t find any clear answers from it, but it was interesting to know that the bitterness helps refine one’s sense of taste. According to a professor shown on the program said that the bitterness of the tea impacts on the sense of taste, expanding "the richness of the taste". Therefore Japanese tend to taste more umami and subtle sweetness. 

I have to say more Japanese, especially younger generation tend to avoid the bitterness nowadays. The consumption of not only tea made in kyusu (teapot) but beer has been decreasing because of – at least one of – the reason. Maybe, forgetting green tea could mean “forgetting Japanese taste”.

BTW....... bottled green tea with less bitterness is so popular unlike teapot tea.:-(

Tea Education

I’ve found the news, saying that 41 schools in Numazu city, Sizuoka serve “chameshi (tea rice)” for their school lunch. This special menu has been served since 2006 around this area.

What is it like? This is their chameshi.  -- Cook the rice with green tea, mix with a tiny fish, sprinkle some powdered tea on the rice, and serve it. -- The rice is served with shincha (lit; new tea) and some other dishes. 

A student who had this lunch said, “I usually drink mugicha (barely tea) at home, but this hot green tea is good too”. Another one said, “I enjoy chameshi. I smelled tea in the rice unlike the one I usually eat, which is good. I think I can eat more.” As you can see, they seem to enjoy it.

Shizuoka is one of the biggest tea-producing areas. Even so, the consumption has been decreasing. I'm sure that the students have learned more about their local product through this experience.

school lunch -image-