Tea Facts

Why Matsu no Shiro by Kanbayashi Shunsho Stands Out as a Daily Usucha/Latte Choice

Why Matsu no Shiro by Kanbayashi Shunsho Stands Out as a Daily Usucha/Latte Choice

If you're on the hunt for an affordable, high-quality matcha suitable for both usucha and latte, look no further than Matsu no Shiro by Kanbayashi Shunsho. This tea has been my go-to, surpassing Ippodo’s Ikuyo and MK’s Aoarashi in terms of value and flavor. In 2025, a series of price increases pushed Matsu no Shiro to the front as the most cost-effective option among these three entry-level choices, nearly half the price for 40g compared to Ikuyo and Aoarashi. Despite this difference, the quality remains uncompromised. As an usucha, Matsu no Shiro offers a well-balanced profile that is both mellow…
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Mastering Matcha Latte Art Without a Pricey Espresso Machine

Mastering Matcha Latte Art Without a Pricey Espresso Machine

You're not alone in wanting to create stunning matcha latte art but feeling stumped by the need for an espresso machine. We've got good news - you don't need one! This article will guide you through alternative methods and tools to craft beautiful latte art with your matcha. First, let's clarify that traditional espresso steamers are popular due to their ability to froth milk quickly and evenly. However, there are several alternatives for those who don't want (or can't justify) investing in a full-fledged espresso machine. 1. Regular Milk Frother: A handheld milk frother is an excellent choice for matcha…
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Unlocking the Versatility of NT’s Seikan-no-Shiro Matcha in Your Daily Routine

Unlocking the Versatility of NT’s Seikan-no-Shiro Matcha in Your Daily Routine

If you're a matcha enthusiast seeking a reliable, affordable blend that delivers on both usucha and latte fronts, look no further than NT's Seikan-no-Shiro. This versatile offering boasts a harmonious balance of mild umami and subtle sweetness that keeps bitterness at bay—perfect for crafting a smooth, creamy foam in your latte. Seikan-no-Shiro has carved out a niche among matcha aficionados for its consistent quality and versatile taste profile. In usucha (traditional whisked matcha), it offers a delicate balance of flavors that appeals to both purists and those who prefer a touch of sweetness. When transformed into a latte, the blend…
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Unraveling the Mystique of a Fresh Sheng Puer: A Sensory Journey

Unraveling the Mystique of a Fresh Sheng Puer: A Sensory Journey

If you're a tea enthusiast, chances are you've heard whispers about Sheng Puer. This raw puerh tea, known for its complex flavors and potential for aging, is gaining traction in the tea community. And today, we're diving into an account of a fresh Sheng Puer tasting experience. The Tea Club recently sent out a batch of this autumn old arbor raw puerh, and one member shared their thoughts after a tasting session. As someone relatively new to the world of Sheng Puer, they found it fascinating—and so will you. Upon opening the package, the dry leaves emitted an alluring aroma,…
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Unraveling the Aging Mystique of Yibang and Mengsong Sheng Pu’er Teas (2013 vs. 2024)

Unraveling the Aging Mystique of Yibang and Mengsong Sheng Pu’er Teas (2013 vs. 2024)

A recent review of Yibang and Mengsong teas, brewed in 2013 and 2024, sheds light on intriguing aging patterns that have sparked discussions among tea enthusiasts on Reddit. This analysis compares a dragonball-shaped version with a loose leaf variant, emphasizing the distinct brewing characteristics of each. It delves into how humidity levels impact the aging process and offers insights into how transition patterns make sense at different stages for various teas when stored under varying conditions. The teas were exceptional, displaying a balance that eludes many 11- or 12-year-old versions. Some can exhibit an odd character between youthful and fully…
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Unraveling the Mystery of Your New Gongfu Teapot

Unraveling the Mystery of Your New Gongfu Teapot

You've stumbled upon a unique tea experience with your new Gongfu teapot, and we're here to help you navigate this intriguing world. This traditional Chinese brewing method requires precision and patience, but the result is a rich, full-bodied cup of tea that's worth the effort. Your glass stove-top teapot with a drop-in basket is perfect for Gongfu style brewing. Unlike Western-style brewing where you steep the leaves in water and discard them, Gongfu method involves multiple infusions of the same tea leaves, extracting various flavors at each stage. The key to Gongfu lies in the proportion of tea leaves to…
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Navigating Puer Tea: What’s Mold and What’s Aging in Your Puer Oranges?

Navigating Puer Tea: What’s Mold and What’s Aging in Your Puer Oranges?

You've dipped your toes into the world of Puer tea, a timeless Chinese beverage that boasts unique flavors and health benefits. But now you find yourself questioning the moldy-looking patches on your freshly purchased Puer oranges. Fear not, fellow tea enthusiast! Let's unravel the mystery together. First off, Puer tea undergoes a distinct aging process that can lead to changes in its appearance. During this process, the tea leaves may develop a white, grey, or brownish fuzz—commonly known as "bloom" or "hair." This is not mold but rather a natural byproduct of fermentation and oxidation. However, if you spot green…
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Navigating the World of Puer Tea: A Newcomer’s Journey

Navigating the World of Puer Tea: A Newcomer’s Journey

Diving into the world of Puer tea can be an exhilarating, yet daunting experience. One Reddit user, /u/Classic-Willow-6615 [link], recently shared their initiation journey and encountered a common challenge—identifying what they've brewed. Let's delve into this conundrum and learn from their experience. Puer tea, renowned for its rich, deep flavor profile, has been gaining traction among tea enthusiasts. However, unlike conventional teas, Puer doesn't come with English labels, making it challenging to determine its ripeness or age (learn to spot the difference). /u/Classic-Willow-6615 used a small side pour teapot for their first brewing session and followed the standard 10-second wash…
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Unraveling the Enigma of Raw Pu’er: A Personal Journey

Unraveling the Enigma of Raw Pu’er: A Personal Journey

You've been swept up in the raw pu'er craze, but find it disappointing. You love other teas - white, aged whites, oolongs, blacks, ripe puer, even greens - yet raw remains a mystery. It's time to dive deeper into this enigma and explore the reasons behind your lukewarm response. Raw pu'er, also known as sheng pu'er, is a unique fermented tea hailing from Yunnan province in China. Unlike other teas, it undergoes minimal processing, allowing it to age and develop complex flavors over time. However, its earthy, robust character can be an acquired taste for some. One of the challenges…
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Unraveling the Mystery of Your New Purchases: A Guide to Preparation and Enjoyment

Unraveling the Mystery of Your New Purchases: A Guide to Preparation and Enjoyment

You've found yourself in possession of an intriguing new addition to your kitchen, but with no prior experience or knowledge on how to prepare it. Fear not! We're here to help you navigate this exciting culinary journey. Your new acquisitions are known as yerba mate gourds, a traditional South American beverage container made from the hollowed-out shell of a gourd or a metal cylinder. Yerba mate is a caffeine-rich herbal infusion that's been enjoyed for centuries in countries like Argentina and Brazil. The gourds come in two primary types: empty, where you can add your own yerba mate leaves, and…
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