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Uncovering the Art of Japanese Green Tea Tasting and Blending in Rustic Farm

August 2024


Japan, known for its rich history of tea culture, holds a secret world of tradition and expertise that transcends boundaries. Recently, I had the privilege of attending a Japanese green tea tasting and blending workshop, unlike any I had experienced before. Hosted at Rustic Farm; Seiko's house, the event promised a deep dive into the realm of Japanese tea, with a touch of authenticity that can only be found in the hands of experts.





The workshop was graced by a tea farmer Mr. Matsunaga hailing all the way from Saga, Japan, bringing with him a legacy of tea cultivation that spans generations. Our tea master, a 4th-generation artisan, unraveled the intricate process of brewing Japanese tea, each step a dance between tradition and innovation. His storytelling filled the room with the aroma of history, as he shared tales of the tea's origin and the meticulous care that goes into its growth.


As we delved deeper into the world of Japanese tea, our hands eagerly reached for the raw materials to craft our very own blend. Guided by the tea master’s expertise, each participant carefully selected elements to create a personalized concoction of fragrant green tea. The workshop culminated in a moment of pride and connection to the centuries-old art of tea blending, as we each held our individual creations with reverence.


But the experience did not end there. To complement our tea journey, a talented Japanese confectionery chef Miyuki from Hyodo joined us, offering a taste of delicate delights. The freshly made warabimochi, a traditional Japanese sweet made from bracken starch, served as a sweet counterpart to the robust flavors of our brewed tea. The pairing was a match made in culinary heaven, offering a sensory exploration of Japanese flavors and textures.




In the midst of our tasting and blending exploration, we were each gifted a Japanese ceramic tea canister, a tangible reminder of our immersion into the world of Japanese tea culture. The canister, with its intricate design and practical functionality, served as a token of gratitude for our participation and a vessel to preserve the essence of our tea blending experience.




The workshop not only offered a glimpse into the craftsmanship behind Japanese tea but also created a space for cultural exchange and communal learning. In a setting that felt both intimate and enlightening, strangers became companions bonded by a shared passion for authenticity and tradition.


As I reflect on the workshop at Seiko's house, I am reminded that the art of Japanese tea is more than just a beverage - it is a gateway to a heritage that continues to inspire and unite across borders. The convergence of tea, storytelling, craftsmanship, and culinary artistry made this experience a tapestry of flavors, scents, and memories that will linger long after the last sip is taken.


Enveloped in the warmth of Japanese hospitality and expertise, the workshop revealed the profound beauty and complexity of Japanese green tea, inviting us to savor not just the taste but the soul of a culture steeped in reverence for nature and tradition.




Let the spirit of Japanese tea guide you on a journey of discovery, where each sip carries a story and each blend is a tribute to the artisans who have shaped a heritage of taste and tradition.


Special thanks to all vendors listed below. xoxo



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