How is Japanese Tea Made

HOW IS JAPANESE TEA MADE

TEA PRODUCTING REGIONS IN JAPAN

Shizouka Perfecture is the largest tea producer in Japan. About 40% of all Japanese tea is produced in Shizouka. The second largest producer is Kagoshima Perfecture, Kyoto Perfecture and Southern island of Kyushu.

The difference in taste and flavor of tea depends on whether the tea has undergone and oxidation process or not during production.

STEPS TO MANUFACTURE

JAPANESE TEA

1. PLUCKING

Tea leaves are picked.

2. STEAMING

The fresh leaves are steamed and oxidase is deactivated.

3. 1ST DRYING

The steamed leaves are exposed to hot air while at

the same time rolled and dried.

4. TEA ROLLING

The tea si neatly rolled under pressure.

5. 2ND DRYING

While exposed to warm air, the tea is rolled in

order to arrange the shape of the leaves

6. FINAL ROLLING

The shape of the leaves are then further arranged.

7. TEA DRYING

Tea leaves are then thoroughly dried, and the production of “Aracha” (crude tea) is completed.

8. REFINING

The tea then goes through a finishing process where the Aracha is sifted and cut in order to wort it according to shape and size.

9. PACKING

The tea is then finally packed into cases.