"Kawane Tea" is a famous Shizuoka tea with a history of over 400 years.

Introduction

Kawane tea is a Japanese tea produced in the Kawane region, located in the middle and upper reaches of the Oi River in central Shizuoka Prefecture.

Its history is so long that tea was already recorded in the land survey book of 1599. With a history of over 400 years, it can be said to be one of Shizuoka's most famous teas.

The History of Kawane Tea

The history of Kawane tea is long, and it is said to have begun in the Kamakura period when tea seeds brought back from China were planted in Shizuoka. However, there are no clear records of when and how tea spread to the Kawane region.

However, there are records that show that during the Edo period, villages in Kawane presented tea to Tokugawa Iemitsu as annual tax, indicating that the high quality of the tea was highly regarded even back then.

It was also popular among the people of Edo, and Kawane tea, which was brought back to Edo by the wealthy merchant Kinokuniya Bunzaemon, gained a particular acclaim.

During the Meiji period, exports to overseas countries became more popular and Kawane tea gained a high reputation. A local tea master invented a manufacturing method called "Kawane Momi-kiri-ryu" and established it, further improving the quality of Kawane tea.

Since then, through the efforts of tea farmers, such as the introduction of new varieties and thorough quality control, Kawane tea has grown into a nationally renowned brand. Even today, it continues to win numerous awards at national tea competitions, proving its high quality.

Characteristics of Kawane tea

The greatest attraction of Kawane tea is undoubtedly its refreshing aroma, which is unique to tea from mountainous regions. The light, refreshing aroma, reminiscent of fresh greenery, spreads softly in the back of your throat.

The rich flavor and strong umami are also unique to Kawane tea. It has a thick consistency and a strong, gentle taste with the natural sweetness of tea.

Kawane tea also has the characteristic of having a long-lasting aroma and flavor.
You can enjoy the changes in color and aroma of the tea not only with the first brew, but also with the second and third brews, and the delicious aftertaste lingers for a long time.

The color is different from regular green tea, being almost golden yellow and transparent.

1. The perfect environment provided by the Southern Alps

As mentioned above, Kawane tea is a Japanese tea characterized by its refreshing aroma and deep flavor.

These characteristics are the result of the unique natural environment of the Kawane region and the cultivation methods that make the most of it.

The Kawane region is influenced by the Southern Alps, which causes large temperature differences between day and night, and is prone to fog. This climate is ideal for growing tea plants, and helps them retain the components that give them flavor and aroma.

In addition, abundant rainfall and well-drained soil provide the tea plants with plenty of nutrients. The soil at Kawane Tea Farm in particular is rich in organic matter and has active microorganisms, which supports the growth of the tea plants.

2. The delicate flavor created by the "Kawane Momikiri Style"

The manufacturing method of Kawane tea is also unique. The new buds of Kawane tea are very moist and soft, so if they are processed in the same way as buds from other regions, their characteristics will be lost.

Therefore, Kawane tea masters have devised a unique manufacturing method called "Kawane Momi-kiri-ryu." This method maximizes the delicate aroma of Kawane tea by not steaming, heating, or rolling the tea too much.

summary

It has a refreshing aroma and goes down smoothly.
Kawane tea, which has a deep richness and sweetness with a well-balanced astringency, has won high praise at numerous tea competitions and is known as one of Japan's finest teas.

The deliciousness of Kawane tea is a gift from the Oi River, whose source is the meltwater and spring water of the Southern Alps. The never-ending flow of the river has created the perfect environment for tea production.

If you haven't tried it yet, we encourage you to enjoy the refreshing aroma and sophisticated flavor of Kawane tea.