All posts by C. Xu

Vanilla Matcha Hot Chocolate Recipe

12.02.2019Recipesmatcha, recipeC. Xu

matcha-hotchocolate-hot-chocolate-recipe-how-to-make-vanilla-matcha-hot-chocolate-drink-recipe

With the cold weather here to stay, try this sweet and creamy Vanilla Matcha Hot Chocolate recipe for a warm treat. One delicious cup has a rich matcha flavor that pairs perfectly with white chocolate and is filled with antioxidants. Quick and easy to make, grab your favorite book or movie while sipping on this

5 Health Benefits of Genmaicha Brown Rice Green Tea

11.15.2019Green Tea, Healthgreen tea, healthC. Xu

senbird-organic-genmaicha-brown-rice-green-tea-health-benefits-healthy-tea-benefit

Genmaicha Brown Rice Green Tea is a popular Japanese green tea that offers numerous impressive health benefits. Typically genmaicha is made from mixing roasted brown rice kernels and sencha green tea. The roasted rice kernels contribute to its nutty and aromatic fragrance and complement the astringency of green tea. Coupled with a toasted rice aroma

How to Prepare Matcha: Usucha vs. Koicha

10.22.2019Green Tea, Tea CultureC. Xu

senbird-organic-matcha-being-poured-into-white-bowl

The origin of matcha powdered green tea is rooted in the practices of Chinese Zen Buddhist monks who used it as a meditation drink. Over 800 years ago, matcha was imported then imported to Japan and has since played a very special role in Japanese culture. Today, the traditional matcha green tea preparation originates from

Why is Gyokuro Shade-Grown Green Tea Expensive?

10.02.2019Green Tea, Tea CulturecultureC. Xu

senbird organic gyokuro shade grown green tea on wooden board

It may be quite a shock to many how Gyokuro’s price is quite more expensive than some may expect. Even in Japan, though most people know about the existence of gyokuro, most have not yet tasted this type of green tea. Gyokuro has a distinct aroma and flavor, with many health benefits. The famous regions

4 Health Benefits of Sobacha Buckwheat Tea

09.25.2019Health, Herbal TeaC. Xu

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With its fragrant aroma and nutty sweet flavor, sobacha buckwheat tea is a popular tea with plenty of health benefits. Unlike many other teas, sobacha is a gluten-free, caffeine-free herbal tea that can be enjoyed during any time of the day. Sobacha’s toasty aroma and sweet, nutty flavor come from the roasted buckwheat kernels that

3 Traditional Japanese Tea Houses to Visit in Kyoto

09.03.2019Japan Culture, TravelcultureC. Xu

mochi dessert with freshly whisked matcha green tea in chawan at a Japanese tea house

The Japanese tea ceremony, often called Chanoyu, Chado, or Sado in Japanese is the ritual of preparing and serving tea. The tea ceremony emphasizes the considerate gestures and movements of the host, allowing guests to appreciate the bowl of tea served. However, the focus on the preparation and presentation of tea did not begin until

Creamy Matcha Green Tea Popsicles Recipe

08.27.2019Green Tea, Recipesmatcha, recipeC. Xu

senbird-organic-matcha-powdered-green-tea-popsicle

Cool down during the hot summer weather with these creamy Matcha Green Tea Popsicles, a sweet and refreshing treat, especially when you need a boost of energy. Matcha green tea has anti-inflammatory properties and is packed with antioxidants. As such, it is recommended for everyone since it is known to boost metabolism, as well as

How to Make Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte

08.08.2019Green Tea, Recipesmatcha, recipeC. Xu

senbird organic matcha ceremonial matcha green tea powder in a iced latte

If you’ve been searching for a dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan matcha green tea latte, you have come to the right place! After our event at WAGYU x Japan Food Town, we found that our creamy Oat Milk Matcha Latte was a crowd favorite. Oat milk’s sweetness and the rich umami in our Otome Matcha balance

How to Avoid Microplastics In Your Tea

05.24.2019Health, WellnessC. Xu

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Although a majority of tea bags are made from paper, some brands have been manufacturing plastic tea bags. Recent studies have found that opting for plastic tea bags are not only harmful to the environment, but to the body as well. Steeping plastic tea bags releases billions of microplastics, or tiny plastic particles into your

The Growing Popularity of Matcha Green Tea

04.06.2019Green Tea, Tea Cultureculture, matchaC. Xu

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With impressive health benefits and a rich taste, matcha’s popularity has grown over the recent years. For centuries, Japan has been using matcha in tea ceremonies as it enhances focus while calming the body and mind. The principle of the Japanese tea ceremony is to enjoy and appreciate your cup of tea, which carries into