Blogs on Japanese Tea, Health, and Culture

Japanese Green Tea Cultivars and Characteristics: Everything You Need to Know

Have you ever wondered about the different types of green tea leaves and their unique characteristics? In fact, the variety of Japanese green tea cultivars opens up a fascinating world...

Hojicha Swiss Roll with Chocolate Cream Recipe

This Hojicha Swiss Roll Recipe combines the rich, smoky flavor of roasted Hojicha with a creamy chocolate filling, making it the perfect treat for tea time or special occasions. Hojicha,...

5 Ways to Brew Loose Leaf Tea Without an Infuser

The world of tea becomes so much more vast once you begin to consider loose leaf tea options. Having a cup of loose leaf tea for the first time can...

Sencha Green Tea for Detox and Cleansing

Looking for a natural way to detox and embrace a healthier lifestyle? Drinking tea is a simple yet powerful way to support your body’s wellness while offering moments of calm...

Chocolate Cream Cheese Hojicha Cookies Recipe

Experience the unique flavor of Chocolate Cream Cheese Hojicha Cookies. This recipe combines the nutty, roasted notes of hojicha tea with a rich chocolate cream cheese filling, creating a cookie...

How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Sobacha

Step into the toasty and nutty world of sobacha (そば茶), also known as roasted buckwheat tea—a popular caffeine-free drink enjoyed in Japan. Made from roasted buckwheat grains, leaves, or flowers,...

Matcha Sake Spritz Cocktail Recipe

If you’re searching for a fun yet simple cocktail recipe to elevate your next gathering, look no further. We have just the thing—our vibrant and refreshing matcha sake cocktail. First,...

5 Health Benefits of Genmaicha Brown Rice Tea

Genmaicha, often referred to as "brown rice tea," is a unique blend of green tea leaves and roasted brown rice. But what if you're looking for a caffeine-free Genmaicha? Introducing...

Everything You Need to Know About Hojicha Roasted Green Tea

Hojicha is an incredibly fragrant green tea that offers a unique tasting experience with its soothing, earthy aroma and light-bodied, toasty flavor. Known for its distinct roasted taste and low...

On a wooden surface, there is a pile of kuromame, or black soybeans on a white napkin to the left. On the right side, there is kuromamecha, or black soybean tea, in a white teacup on top of a wooden saucer.

How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Kuromamecha

Kuromamecha, or black soybean tea, provides a unique and comforting experience with its rich, roasted, and nutty flavor. Furthermore, it is naturally caffeine-free, making it an ideal choice for anyone...

Sencha Tea vs Matcha: What's the Difference?

Green tea has long been celebrated for its numerous health benefits and unique flavors. Among the many varieties, sencha and matcha stand out as two of the most popular types...

4 Benefits of Drinking Hot Tea in Summer

Summer brings along an air of fun and excitement being outdoors, but also reminds you of the importance of staying hydrated. It may seem counterintuitive to reach for a cup of...

Cold Whisk Matcha Latte Recipe

No hot water available for your matcha? Try cold-whisk matcha instead! By blending matcha powder with cold milk, it creates a smooth and rich beverage that is ideal for warmer temperatures....

How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Gyokuro Green Tea

As the world slowly wakes up, there is a serene moment perfect for enjoying a cup of gyokuro green tea. This premium Japanese green tea is recognizable by its rich...

How to Prepare: Mugicha Barley Tea

Mugicha (麦茶) is a roasted barley Japanese tea celebrated for its refreshing taste and health benefits. Commonly made from Roukujou barley kernels–which contain a low amount of gluten–this herbal tea...

Natural Remedies for Summer Allergies: 3 Japanese Teas to Soothe Your Symptoms

Summer marks warmer temperatures and longer days, but also pollen that can trigger pesky allergies. If you find yourself battling sneezes, an inflamed throat, or itchy eyes, Japanese teas can...

How to Make – Cold Brew Tea Recipes for the Summer

3 Cold Brew Tea Recipes to Make This Summer

As the sun climbs higher and the days grow longer, summer invites us to cool down by any means necessary. Our favorite break from the heat is a cup of...

cup of hot matcha latte next to a cup of hot café latte

Matcha vs Coffee: Is Matcha Better than Coffee?

During our morning routines, many of us gravitate towards the familiar comfort of a cup of coffee to begin our day. However, an alternative energizing drink is emerging in popularity:...

6 Benefits of Using a Tea Infuser to Brew Loose-Leaf Tea

For those transitioning from tea bags, the process of brewing loose-leaf teas can be daunting. The right tools, however, make this process approachable – one that we use everyday for an...

Putting Matcha powder in a cup using bamboo scoop

Ceremonial Matcha vs. Culinary Matcha: Understanding the Difference

A tea once reserved for traditional ceremonies in Japan, matcha is now enjoyed in all types of food and drink, from desserts to cocktails. The popularity of this unique green tea...

hand holding brewed matcha in a cup with matcha tea tin and bamboo whisk

A Modern Guide to A Matcha Tea Ceremony at Home

The new year often signifies the fresh start of new beginnings. At Senbird, our philosophy for this time of the year embraces choosing intentions over resolutions, and welcoming a more...

A Matcha Green Tea Cheesecake Recipe Worth Celebrating

Bring a touch of joy to any gathering with a traditional twist on a classic dessert with this Matcha Green Tea Cheesecake.

10 Inspirational Japanese Tea Quotes for Mindful Living

In our fast-paced world, finding moments of tranquility and mindfulness can often prove challenging. However, Japanese tea culture offers a peaceful sanctuary steeped in tradition, philosophy, and mindfulness. This culture...

whisking matcha in a white bowl with match tea tin

5 Unique Matcha Drink Recipes

Due to its high antioxidant level and nourishing qualities, matcha, a vibrant green tea powder, has caught the attention of people all over the world. Furthermore, beyond its health benefits,...

brewed tea in a bottle with tea tin and kyusu teapot

5 Tips for Having Japanese Tea Outdoors

When you’re surrounded by nature's beauty and serenity, there's something truly alluring about sipping your favorite tea outdoors. Sipping Japanese tea in the great outdoors, whether in your backyard or...

Matcha Lemonade in a jar with lemon slice on the top

Recipe: How to Make Matcha Lemonade

Looking to add a refreshing twist to your traditional lemonade? Consider incorporating our Matcha Green Tea Powder! Our Matcha Lemonade recipe combines the zest of lemons with the earthy notes of...

pouring sencha green tea in a glass full of ice place beside sencha tea tin

6 Cold Brewing Tea Tips for Japanese Teas

As the summer heat intensifies, finding ways to stay cool and refreshed becomes essential. Cold brewing Japanese tea is not only a delicious way to get relief from the heat...

2 slices of Matcha Banana Bread in a plate with matcha tea tin and tea scoop

Recipe: How to Make Matcha Banana Bread

Looking to give your traditional banana bread recipe a creative twist? Then try including our Matcha Otome Powder! This recipe combines the comforting familiarity of banana bread is combined with...

pouring tea in a cup through tea infuser

8 Essential Teaware Tools for Every Tea Lover

Tea, which is consumed more than any other beverage in the world (second only to water), is more than just a beverage. It can be a way of life, symbolizing...

10 DIY Tea Tin Recycling Ideas That Are Fun and Easy

Tea tins are a popular option for storing and transporting tea, especially because they keep your tea fresh for longer. But once the tea is gone, what can you do...

6 Best Teas for a Sore Throat

As allergy season comes around, many of us are affected by sore throats. A sore throat can make it difficult to talk, swallow, and even breathe. While there are many...

10 Different Types of Japanese Tea

Japanese tea culture goes back to the 9th century. 815 CE is when it was first recorded that people in Japan drank tea. Today, Japanese tea is known for its...

Recipe: How to Make a Hojicha Latte

Need a comforting drink to enjoy at any time of the day? A homemade hojicha tea latte may be the perfect drink for you! In Japan and other countries around...

A Guide to Hojicha: Different Types, Benefits, and How to Brew

Welcome to our Guide to Hojicha Tea! Whether you're exploring the various types of hojicha or seeking tips for hojicha tea preparation, you've come to the right place. Hojicha Roasted...

How to Make Matcha With A Bamboo Whisk

From the quality of your matcha powder to the teaware you use, making matcha with a bamboo whisk ensures a smooth, clump-free, and delicious matcha experience. Historically used during tea...

Brewed Green Tea in a white ceramic cup with white teapot beside

Green Tea and its Uses in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Green tea hasn’t always been just for drinking for enjoyment. It has a vast history of many uses. Made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis, green tea has not...

Girl holding a cup in background and tea leaves are in the front

The Meaning of Ichigo Ichie: Making the Most of Every Moment

Ichigo Ichie is a Japanese proverb with many translations. Literally, it means “one time, one meeting”, but can be translated as “one lifetime, one encounter” or even “in this moment, an...

japanese soba salad dressing sobacha buckwheat

Japanese Soba Salad Dressing Recipe

If you're a fan of Japanese sesame salad dressing, then you'll definitely love our nutty and creamy soba salad dressing recipe made with Sobacha buckwheat tea! This soba salad dressing...

putting matcha green tea powder in a plate through tea scoop

How Japanese Matcha Green Tea Powder is Made

Farmers make Matcha from shade-grown ground Camellia Sinensis tea leaves called tencha. Tencha, a type of green tea that gives green tea powder its umami flavor and high caffeine content....

3 Ways to Use Green Tea Leaves in Your Garden

Drinking a daily cup of green tea can inspire many things in our lives. Whether it is inspiring us to take more moments to slow down and enjoy the present...

Japanese Cast Iron Tea Kettles: A History of the Tetsubin

While the tetsubin (鉄瓶, which means ‘iron kettle’) is a common tool mentioned by Japanese tea lovers, you may be unfamiliar with its history or the appeal of using one to...

12 Green Tea Inspired Recipes For Delicious Meals and Desserts

Any green tea lover would agree that not only is green tea a healthy and delicious beverage, it is also the perfect addition to many foods and dessert recipes! After...

Ultimate Guide to Japanese Green Tea

Green tea is one of the most popular teas among tea drinkers. Originating from China as a key component of traditional medicine, people widely recognize green tea or its health...

Strawberry Cream Matcha Shortbread Bars & Matcha tea tin

Strawberry Cream Matcha Shortbread Bars Recipe

Matcha is versatile in many recipes and is a perfect pair with anything creamy. For a delightful treat, try this Strawberry Cream Matcha Shortbread Bars Recipe that is inspired by...

Matcha Gin Tonic Cocktail Recipe

There are few things better than a refreshing twist on a beloved classic, and one of our favorites is a Matcha Gin Tonic. This drink takes the vibrant flavors of gin and...

Hojicha Mochi Brownies Recipe

Our friend Fay @bentographer shares her delightful, unique Hojicha Mochi Brownies Recipe made with our Hojicha Powder! A wonderful treat for your friends and family served with a cup of...

Iced Mugicha Barley Tea in a glass and jar

4 Health Benefits of Mugicha Barley Tea

Mugicha (麦茶) is a Japanese herbal tea made from roasted barley that is delicious both hot or cold. This non-caffeinated barley tea is a staple in many east Asian countries...

Recipe: How To Make Rice Seasoning (Furikake) With Used Green Tea Leaves

Do you sometimes crave an extra something to compliment a plain bowl of rice? In this case, try Furikake tea leaves rice seasoning! Our recipe below offers a creative and...

Kooridashi Ice Brewed Gyokuro in glass cups

How To Make Kooridashi Ice Brewed Gyokuro

Kooridashi Ice Brewed Gyokuro introduces a fun brewing technique that brings a new experience in iced Japanese gyokuro shade-grown tea preparation. Notably, the taste of the tea will vary based...

A Guide to Cold Brew and Iced Japanese Teas

Any Japanese tea is delicious both hot or cold, although, during warm weather, it's no surprise that many prefer to drink cold brew tea. This is a full guide to...

background image with text Meditate with tea Episode 3

Meditate With Tea Podcast (Episode 3): Ghanta/Mantra Meditation

At Senbird, we want to inspire more moments of reflection and gratitude for a healthy and happy lifestyle. Just in time for March Mindfulness month, we are excited to bring...

brewed tea in a white cup with Meditate with Tea text written on it

Meditate With Tea Podcast (Episode 2): Tea Meditation

At Senbird, we want to inspire more moments of reflection and gratitude for a healthy and happy lifestyle. Just in time for March Mindfulness month, we are excited to bring...

brewed tea in a cup with text written on it

Meditate With Tea Podcast (Episode 1): Belly Breathing

At Senbird, we want to inspire more moments of reflection and gratitude for a healthy and happy lifestyle. Just in time for March Mindfulness month, we are excited to bring...

Recipe: Matcha Cupcakes with Matcha Cream Cheese Frosting

Treat yourself or your friends and family with this simple and delicious matcha green tea cupcakes recipe! Moreover, they are the perfect baking project for an afternoon snack or dessert....

Pouring Ochazuke Green Tea Over Rice in a bowl

Ochazuke Green Tea Over Rice Recipe

Ochazuke (お茶漬け), or "green tea over rice" is a Japanese comfort food consisting of steamed rice submerged into a broth or green tea. Ever since, it has been a favorite...

7 Healthy Caffeine-Free Herbal Teas For Natural Detox

Herbal teas, or tisanes, have been enjoyed for centuries, and it’s not surprising that the refreshing, caffeine-free beverage continues to be a daily ritual for many tea lovers. Recent studies have shown...

The Best Gift Guide for Japanese Tea Lovers

Whether it's for a good friend's birthday, or a special gift to colleagues if you're not sure what to get them, why not choose the gift of tea? After all,...

Matcha Shortbread Cookies in a plate with Match powder in a tea spoon and matcha tea tin

Recipe: Matcha Shortbread Cookies with Milk Glaze

If you are an avid lover of matcha like us at Senbird, then these matcha green tea shortbread cookies recipe are sure to be your next favorite thing since it's...

brewed hojicha bubble milk tea in a glass and hojicha tea tin

Recipe: Hojicha Bubble Milk Tea

Bubble milk tea, also known as boba, originates from Taiwan but has since grown in popularity all around the world. While there are many different versions, we recreated our own...

How to Practice Meditation with Tea

Tea has traditionally played a pivotal role in the monastic life of Japan for centuries. This practice blends the art of tea preparation with meditation, allowing practictioners to cultivate mindfulness...

Matcha Apple Pie Overnight Oats Recipe

Re-create the delicious aroma and taste of an apple pie with a dash of matcha powder for an extra pick-me-up to start your morning! Our Healthy Matcha Oatmeal, Matcha Apple...

Two glasses filled with Iced Match and Iced Coffee

The Caffeine Content in Matcha Green Tea versus Coffee

How does caffeine content in Matcha green tea compared to coffee? It’s important to understand how caffeine affects the body. Caffeine, a naturally occurring compound that’s found in around 60...

Caffeine-Free Japanese Herbal Tea in a jug and glass

3 Healthy and Caffeine-Free Japanese Herbal Teas

Numerous studies have proven that tea offers various health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease, aiding in weight loss, protecting bones, and providing numerous antioxidants. There are various...

black kyusu with a glass filled with tea

How to Use a Kyusu or Traditional Japanese Teapot

A kyusu, sometimes spelled kyuusu, is a traditional Japanese teapot used for brewing Japanese green tea. The most common type of kyusu comes with a handle on the side, although...

Hands whisking Match in a white ceramic bowl

3 Ways to Making Matcha Without a Whisk

Matcha green tea is a powerhouse of antioxidants. Made from stone-ground first-pick tea buds of the spring season, matcha green tea comes in a powder form and can’t be steeped...

brewed sencha green tea in a cup with sencha tea tin

How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Sencha Green Tea

Sencha is one of the most delicious and aromatic of all green teas. Indeed, it is the most popular green tea in Japan and it goes well with medium and...

Matcha Strawberry Jam Recipe (No Pectin or Gelatin)

Who would have guessed that matcha infused strawberry jam would be so delicious? With this homemade jam recipe, you only need four simple ingredients -- no need for pectin, gelatin,...

Matcha Milk And Honey Bread in a bread with Match Tea tin

Matcha Milk And Honey Bread Recipe

Impress your friends and family with this soft and fluffy, healthy Matcha Bread! Not only is it a photogenic piece of art you won't be able to stop taking pictures...

Brewed Hojicha Roasted Green Tea and teapot on a wooden tray

8 Health Benefits of Hojicha Roasted Green Tea

With its fragrant aroma and nutty, toasty flavor, hojicha roasted green tea (also known as houjicha) is a popular tea with plenty of health benefits. In Japan, hojicha’s popularity stems...

Matcha Bubble Milk Tea Recipe

Treat yourself to a creamy and energizing Matcha bubble milk tea! While similar to your favorite matcha latte recipe, this one has the addition of chewy and delicious tapioca. Experiment...

Hojicha Milk Honey Bread & Hojicha Tea Tin

Hojicha Milk And Honey Bread Recipe

What's better than soft and fluffy bread? Of course, soft and fluffy sweet hojicha bread! Using milk and honey, each slice is filled with a nutty aroma and a toasty,...

Caffeine in Japanese Green Tea

Japanese green teas are popular for their rich flavors and aromatic brews, providing a unique experience in each cup. The caffeine content of each type of tea varies depending on...

Japanese Sencha Green Tea Guide: Health Benefits, Types, And How To Brew

Welcome to our Japanese Sencha Green Tea Guide! Sencha, or green tea, is the most popular tea in Japan, representing about 80% of all tea produced in the country. Japanese...

Brewed Vanilla Matcha Hot Chocolate in a white bowl

Vanilla Matcha Hot Chocolate 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...

Genmaicha – roasted brown rice green tea health benefits

5 Health Benefits of Genmaicha Brown Rice Green Tea

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...

pouring water in kyusu teapot for brewing Yuzamashi

How to Brew Green Tea with a Yuzamashi

Brewing Japanese green tea is a delicate process, as each step is crucial in order to bring out the tea's best flavor and aroma. For example, if you steep tea in...

brewed matcha in a white glass with matcha tea tin with whisk

How to Prepare Matcha: Usucha vs. Koicha

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...

hand holding tea leave in front of tea leaves garden

Health Benefits of Sencha Japanese Green Tea

Sencha or Japanese Green tea has a unique taste and flavor, which some might consider astringent or bitter. Over the years, research has shown that tea, including Sencha tea contains...

Brewed Gyokuro Shade-Grown Green Tea in a bowl with Gyokuro Shade-Grown Green Tea refill in white plate and kyusu teapot

Why is Gyokuro Shade-Grown Green Tea Expensive?

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...

brewed Sobacha Buckwheat Tea in a glass beside white ceramic bowl

4 Health Benefits of Sobacha Buckwheat Tea

With its fragrant aroma and nutty sweet flavor, caffeine-free sobacha buckwheat tea is a popular tea with plenty of health benefits. Unlike many other teas, sobacha offers a gluten-free, caffeine-free...

Japanese matcha and snacks on a square wooden board

3 Traditional Japanese Tea Houses to Visit in Kyoto

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...

Matcha Green Tea Popsicles in a bowl with matcha tea tin

Creamy Matcha Green Tea Popsicles Recipe

Cool down during the hot summer weather with these creamy Matcha Green Tea Popsicles Recipe, a sweet and refreshing treat, especially when you need a boost of energy. Matcha green...

Kuromamecha Black Soybean Tea refill in a plate with brewed Kuromamecha Black Soybean Tea and kyusu teapot

5 Health Benefits of Kuromamecha Black Soybean Tea

Kuromamecha is a nutty, sweet black soybean tea made from roasted black soybeans that offer numerous health benefits. After roasting, the beans can be left in bean form or ground...

brewed green tea in a cup with tea tin and snacks in a plate

3 Green Tea and Cheese Pairings That Are Surprisingly Delicious

In Japan, people often serve green tea with various types of snacks and food. Most commonly, they pair teawith sweets and desserts. In contrast, people can also pair teaswith savory...

Brewed Iced Match in a glass with bamboo whisk

Recipe: How to Make Iced Matcha Green Tea 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! Subsequently after our event at WAGYU x Japan Food...

Hand whisking Matcha Green Tea in a bowl

4 Health Benefits of Matcha Green Tea Powder

Shielded from the sunlight for several weeks before harvest, matcha powdered green tea is similar to gyokuro shade-grown green tea in cultivation process. As its name suggests

A Green Tea Lover's Paradise: Shizuoka, Japan

Located nearly midway between Osaka and Tokyo, lies Shizuoka, a hidden gem among Japan's more popular travel destinations. From the gentle ocean waves of the port cities to the lush...

Iced Japanese Teas at Wagyu x Japan Food Town

A refreshing iced green tea is one of the best ways to cool down in the summer heat. We had the pleasure of serving many Japanese tea enthusiasts in New...

6 Health Benefits of Gyokuro Green Tea

Gyokuro shade-grown green tea is well regarded for it's health benefits. Even in Japan, gyokuro is considered a rare and premium green tea.

hand holding a white cup with laptop in front

Which Green Tea to Drink in the Morning, Afternoon, and Evening?

People often drink green tea throughout the day, including during the evening. Here are our recommendations for the types of Japanese green tea

Green Tea Whiskey Cocktail with Ginseng in two glasses

Green Tea Whiskey Cocktail with Ginseng Recipe

Concoct a refreshing cocktail using Senbird’s Ouka Sencha Green Tea and Nikka’s Whiskey.

Shizuoka’s Secret: The Best Green Tea in Japan

The traditions surrounding the growth and production of Japanese green tea go back hundreds of years. But, the green tea from Shizuoka is especially exquisite. Shizuoka, an area responsible for...

How to Avoid Microplastics In Your Tea

When choosing tea, it's crucial to consider eco-friendly tea brewing methods and plastic-free options to avoid microplastics in your brew. While many tea bags are crafted from paper, certain brands...

The 4 Health Benefits of Drinking Tea

By drinking tea every day, you can improve both your physical and mental well-being. The most commonly

The Origin of The Name "Tea"

Have you ever wondered the origin of how the name "Tea" came to fruition? The word "Tea" is used by all English speakers, however, the word for tea is a...

hot matcha green tea latte with a nice heart shaped latte art in a glass cup on top of a dark wooden coaster

The Growing Popularity of Matcha Green Tea

With impressive health benefits and a rich taste, the popularity of matcha green tea has grown on the global market over the recent years. For centuries, Japan has been using...

Where Tea Originated: A Brief History Of Tea In China, Japan and the West

The earliest appearance of tea in history comes from the Chinese anecdote of Shen Nong (Shennong, the founder of agriculture and Chinese medicine), who ate wildflowers and tea leaves. This legend...

How to Practice Mindfulness With Tea

Consciousness can be found in performing any simple activity, such as taking a walk, doing yoga, or brewing a cup of tea. Drinking tea can

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