Cleaning can help clear a cluttered mind and soothe an unsettled heart. Whether it's the season for deep cleaning or not, and whether you enjoy cleaning or find it challenging, why not reconsider it as a time to organize your thoughts?
Today, we introduce a tea recipe to be enjoyed in a freshly swept space. For such occasions, try setting up your utensils and vessels as if preparing for a tea ceremony, or brew your tea with a bit more care in each step than usual.
The "040 Shizu 7132" tea, with its subtle cherry blossom-like aroma, offers a deep flavor with a distinct astringency. It pairs well with the sweetness of Japanese confections. Its beautiful light green color, reminiscent of fresh verdure, makes it a tea to be savored slowly.
Tranquil Moments with "040 Shizu 7132"
The cherry blossom-like aroma is drawn out by intentionally aging the harvested tea leaves. It's perfect for elegant settings, such as an outdoor tea ceremony under cherry blossom trees.
Sencha brewed at lower temperatures brings out sweetness and umami, while higher temperatures accentuate the crisp bitterness and astringency. Try various times and temperatures to find your preferred taste.
Ingredients
"040 Shizu 7132" tea leaves: 4g
Hot water (first infusion): 60ml
Hot water (second infusion): 60ml
Preparation
1. Brew the First Infusion
Pour 60ml of boiling water into a cooling vessel and wait about 45 seconds. Meanwhile, open the tea leaves package and inhale the aroma of the fresh leaves before placing them in the teapot. Then, pour the cooled water from the cooling vessel into the teapot.
2. Observe the Tea Leaves Unfurling
Leave the lid open and watch the tea leaves. Once they've unfurled, slowly pour the tea into your cup.
3. Brew the Second Infusion
Pour 60ml of hot water into the cooling vessel, then into the teapot. After about 5 seconds, pour it into your cup. Your tea is ready. Enjoy the beautiful green color as well.
The astringent "040 Shizu 7132" is best enjoyed with mildly sweet accompaniments. Tea savored on a carefully polished table seems to seep gently into your body.
This recipe was featured in "TOKYO TEA JOURNAL" VOL.24. You can view the special feature on the theme "Organizing Your Mind Through Cleaning" from VOL.24 here.
