The history of green tea
The use of tea leaves probably first originated in the southwest area of China more than 3,000 years ago and was likely initially used by people just for chewing and eating in just the same way that coffee was first used by people eating the beans directly in Ethiopia. Over time the use of leaves and buds from the tea tree gradually expanded as people began to use in cooking and when added to boiling water to flavor the water they drunk.
The real history of Green Tea dates back to the 8th century when the method steaming the leaves to inhibit their oxidation was discovered. In the 12th century a new frying method of “fixing” the leaves was introduced. Both of these processes resulted in teas that have the characteristic un-oxidized taste and appearance to modern green teas and both processes are still in use today. Since those early days as the popularity and production of green tea increased the methods of producing green tea have continuously evolved and improved.
Important periods in the history of green tea
Wei Jin Northern and Southern Dynasties (3rd century -6th century)
During the period of the Wei Jin Northern and Southern Dynasties (AD 220-589) the popularity of drinking tea soared and tea slowly changed from a luxury item into a drink commonly consumed by the public as simple basic drying processes were introduced that increased its availability and allowed the introduction of scented teas which helped lessen the bitterness green teas had at that time.
Tang Dynasty (7th century -10th century)
During the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) tea drinking became ingrained as a fundamental part of Chinese society with a whole culture around tea drinking springing up and the introduction of formalized “tea ceremonies”. During this time the process of steaming the tea leaves was gradually refined allowing the production of better tasting less bitter green teas.
Song Dynasty (10th century -13th century)
By the time of the Song Dynasty (AD 960-1279) tea drinking had become an integral part of the daily life of all Chinese in a similar way to how afternoon tea became ingrained in the English culture. The use and production of so-called “tribute teas” those produced to be presented to the emperor and other high officials became an important part of royal culture and a source of government taxation. The production of these tribute teas such as Xihu Longjing and Dongting Biluochun had fueled rapid innovation in the types and quality of teas produced as people competed for royal favour. One of the most famous of these tribute teas was dragon-phoenix ball tea which was commonly grown and presented to the royal family. A special type called Miynlong tea was specially packed in a yellow silk and commonly presented to the emperor.
Ming Dynasty (14th century -17th century)
During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) the first emperor Zhu Yanzhang formally abolished the tradition and government control of giving tribute tea. Once that happened and a golden age of green tea innovation resulted. Production flourished and new production techniques types and styles of tea were quickly tried. It was during this period that the use of loose leaf tea became dominant. Roasting (dry heating) of the tea to “fix” it to stop oxidation was introduced during the 16th century and remains to this day the primary technique used to make green tea.
History of green tea in Japan
The first written account of tea in Japan dates back to the beginning of the ninth century. Japanese monks that travelled to China brought it back with them. Tea was mainly drunk as medicine at that time and was only available to the upper class.
Later at the end of the twelfth century tea was reintroduced in the form of matcha for religious purposes by Eisai the founder of Zen Buddhism. Eisai also wrote Kissayojoki the first Japanese book on tea that describes the beneficial influence of tea on health. This book greatly stimulated the popularity of tea. Over the years tea found its way to a larger public especially when new ways to process tea were developed.
In the fifteenth century the Chinese kamairicha method producing tea by pan-firing tea was introduced to Kyusu in the south of Japan . This remained the way to produce tea until the eighteenth century. In 1738 Soen Nagatani of Uji invented a method to steam and rub tea. This revolutionary invention became the starting point of the production of typical Japanese sencha and gyokuro. The production process has been largely improved and automated since then but the basic process has remained the same.
History of J-PORT and its Tea Producers
J-PORT was established in 2001 by Renee Pompen. She has studied and worked in Japan . After a career in marketing research and sales and marketing mostly in the Japanese food business she decided it was time to set up an import business for Japanese green tea.
J-PORT's suppliers have a much longer history. Being all family businesses their tradition and skills have been handed over from father to son. All have won prestigious prizes for their wonderful tea.
Aikawa
Aikawa Seichaho is the youngest of the three: it was established in 1897. Teamaster Aikawa is the fourth-generation Gentaro Aikawa.
Otsuka
Next is Otsuka Seicha which establishment dates back to 1868 in the first year of the Meiji Period. At that time Japan shifted to a modern society in which there were no longer samurai needed. The founder of Otsuka Seicha , Genpei Otsuka was a samurai who was granted a piece of land for the cultivation of tea by the vassal of Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa.
Shouhokuen
The oldest J-PORT supplier is Shouhokuen owned by the Sugimoto family which was established in 1645. In 1915 on the occasion of the enthronement of Emperor Taisho, Shohokuen was appointed to supply tea to the Imperial Household. Each year in November at the tea ceremony of Kyoto's Kitano Tenmangu Shrine to commemorate the grand tea ceremony party of Hideyoshi Toyotomi pots ( tsubo ) in which the highest quality matcha of that year has matured will be cut open. The pot containing matcha produced in Kohata where Shouhokuen's tea gardens are located will be the first pot to be opened which is a great honour.