Zojirushi

Here, we will introduce various kinds of teas, harvested from one kind of tea plant.
Tea leaves treated with different processing methods become green tea, black tea, etc.


Green Tea: A popular tea of Asia, its leaves have undergone the least amount of oxidation, by a quick application of heat, either by steam or by dry cooking. The tea has a bright green color and bitter/sweet taste. Traditionally a hot beverage, modern versions of iced green tea are becoming popular.	White Tea: White teas are produced mostly in China. It is minimally oxidized, also known as fermentation in the tea industry, which leaves a characteristic sweet aroma and aftertaste. Processing involves withering and drying the young leaves by baking. Its name comes from the downy hair on the surface of the buds, which appear white.	Oolong Tea: Commonly served at Chinese restaurants, oolong is the most popular of the Chinese teas. Oolong tea is made from the same kind of leaves as white, green and black tea. The oxidation process is somewhere in between green and black tea.	Black Tea: Black tea leaves are allowed to completely oxidize, which darkens the tea. Produced mainly in China, India and Sri Lanka, it is the most consumed among the fermented teas. With so many varieties of black teas indigenous to so many regions of the world, it is common to name the variety according to the region it came from.	Other than Tealeaves: Although referred to as teas, herbal teas are not produced from the tea leaf. They are in fact made by infusing hot water with herbs, flowers, fruits, roots, etc. Many medicinal teas in Asian cultures are made with herbs.

There many kinds of teas consumed in Japan, but we will talk about non-fermented green tea.
It is a staple accompaniment for Japanese food, and an indispensable drink for refreshment times throughout the day.


	Sencha: A green tea common in Japan. The word originally meant boiled tea, but in reality it is a processed tea, where the raw leaves are steamed, rubbed and dried. The brewed tea is brilliant green, and contains both sweetness and bitterness.	Gyokuro: Processed in the same way as Sencha, but grown in the shade where the tea plants are covered by reed screens around budding season. Gyokuro is processed with care and time, and with its unique sweetness and umami, it is considered to be the highest quality Japanese tea.	Matcha: Like Gyokuro, Matcha is processed from carefully grown buds. Matcha tea leaves are steamed and dried without rubbing, then ground into powder in the stone mill. Because whole tea leaves are consumed with Matcha, you are also getting all the natural nutrients contained in the leaf.

Konacha: Konacha is a tea made by powders produced during the Gyokuro or Sencha making process. You may find it served at sushi restaurants. Because of its powder form, it brews a darker tea, so it is best to brew quickly. Good quality konacha is not too fine and bright in color.	Bancha: Bancha is made with hard tea leaves, which are the leftovers after the best leaves for Sencha have been picked. It has a light flavor, and is best brewed quickly in hot water. Because it uses leaves from a second choice of the crop, the name "bancha" derives from "ni-ban" or "number two".	Houjicha: Houjicha is made by roasting Bancha where the green color is transformed into brown, and has a unique aroma. It has no bitterness or astringency, and is characterized by its light taste. It contains less caffeine or tannin, and is good for seniors or young children.	Genmaicha: A flavored Japanese tea, genmaicha is made by mixing high-heat roasted brown rice with green tea leaves. It has the unique aroma of brown rice, and is best brewed quickly in very hot water. Genmaicha is said to have relaxing effects.

Japanese tea must be brewed at the correct temperature to get the most flavor out of the leaves;
and the temperature varies depending on the type of tea leaves used. Always start with
clean fresh water of course, and it helps to have a water boiler that can maintain the proper
temperature for you at all times. You'll get the best tasting tea every time, and at any time.

Start with clean fresh water and good quality tea leaves. Leave the rest to our water boiler to set the temperature.

Remember that ideal brewing temperatures differ with the type of tea being used.
Here are just a few of the Japanese teas and their optimum water temperatures and brewing times.



Hot Green Tea (Sencha)	Iced Green Tea (Sencha)	Matcha Green Tea	Houjicha

Here are some teas that are favored in other countries that you may have heard about.


Black Tea: Widely consumed throughout England and Europe, different varieties have been developed in different regions. Each tea produces its own unique flavor and aroma. Blended teas of multiple types of tea leaves have also been developed, resulting in a taste that cannot be duplicated by a single kind of tea leaf.	Blooming Tea: This is a kind of flowering jasmine tea from China. The leaves have the unique characteristic of absorbing the aroma of its flower, which is fragrantly released in the brew. Aficionados of this tea also enjoy the way the dry leaves unfold and "blossom" in the hot water.	Iced Black Tea: Born in the USA, most black tea in America is said to be consumed in the form of iced tea. In the past, green tea was originally used to make iced tea, but black tea eventually became more popular. In England, where black tea originated, "cooled" tea is consumed instead of iced tea.

	Vegetables are blanched for various reasons, but when you need hot water to do so, it will be ready in your water boiler. Boiling will be a lot quicker when you start with already hot water too, instead of starting from room temperature water.

	Gelatin desserts can be easy to make, if you have hot water at-the-ready in your water boiler. Just dissolve the gelatin with hot water and pour into a container. Add your favorite fruit to make it a fruit gelatin!

	Instant foods always call for hot water. Instant coffee, oatmeal, even noodles. Instant food would be more “instant” if the hot water is ready for you. Just dispense into your cup or bowl, and voila, it’s ready!

	Expressed breast milk or ready-made formula can be warmed with hot water. Just fill a bowl with hot water dispensed from the water boiler, and immerse the filled and sealed bottle.

Bring tea with you in a Vacuum Bottle:
Our Stainless Steel Vacuum Bottle keeps your hot drinks hot and lets you enjoy teatime or coffee breaks anywhere you need it. Whether on the go or actively outdoors, an insulated vacuum bottle keeps you mobile while it refreshes. Some of our bottles include tea strainers for a quick brew and go combination. If you really love your tea, you'll want to get one of these.