Sakura Green Tea: A Floral Twist on Traditional Green Tea

Sakura green tea, a beloved beverage in Japan, particularly during the spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, is made by mixing green tea leaves with cherry blossom petals. The result is a light, refreshing tea perfect for sipping on a warm spring day.

Not only is Sakura green tea delicious, but it also has several health benefits. Green tea is known for its antioxidant properties, which can help protect your body against damage from free radicals.

Keep reading since we have much more to share about this tea blend.

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Table of Contents

History of Sakura Tea

Sakura tea, also known as cherry blossom tea, is a traditional Japanese tea made from the flowers of the cherry blossom tree. The history of Sakura tea dates back to the Heian period (794-1185) when the Japanese aristocracy used to enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms during the spring season.

Sakura tea is an important part of Japanese culture and is often served during special ceremonies such as weddings and tea ceremonies. The tea is believed to symbolize the transience of life and the beauty of nature. The cherry blossom tree is also a symbol of renewal and hope in Japanese culture.

Making Sakura tea involves carefully picking the cherry blossom flowers and then drying them. The dried flowers are steeped in hot water to create a delicate and fragrant tea. The tea has a light pink color and a subtle floral taste.

Due to Sakura’s popularity, petals are blended with green, black, and herbal teas. Also, the flavor is used in mochi, yogurt, soft drinks, liqueurs, desserts, and other culinary creations to add a touch of elegance and sophistication.

Sakura Green Tea Varieties

Sakura green tea can be found in two main varieties:

Sakura Sencha

Sakura sencha is made by blending green tea leaves with cherry blossom petals. The result is a tea with a delicate floral aroma and a slightly sweet taste. The green tea leaves used in this tea are harvested in the spring, which gives them a fresh and vibrant flavor. This tea is perfect for those who want to try something refreshing.

Sakura Matcha

Sakura matcha is made by blending matcha powder with cherry blossom petals. Matcha is a type of green tea that is made by grinding tea leaves into a fine powder. Adding cherry blossom petals gives sakura matcha a sweet flavor and aroma. This tea is perfect for those who want to enjoy the benefits of matcha while also experiencing the delicate flavor of cherry blossoms.

Both are great options for those who want to try something new.

Sakura Green Tea Production

Let’s take a closer look at how Sakura green tea is produced.

This tea is primarily produced in Kanagawa Prefecture and Shizuoka, two regions in Japan known for their tea production.

Here are the typical steps involved in producing Sakura Sencha:

Harvesting Green Tea Leaves: The process begins with gathering young and tender green tea leaves from tea plants. These leaves are typically plucked in early spring to ensure their freshness and optimum flavor.
Withering and Steaming: After harvesting, the green tea leaves undergo a withering process to reduce their moisture content. This step helps prepare the leaves for the next stage, which is steaming. Steaming is crucial in preserving the leaves’ green color and preventing oxidation.
Drying: The steamed leaves are then dried to remove any remaining moisture. This drying process is essential for storing the leaves without spoiling.
Blending with Cherry Blossom Petals: In a separate process, cherry blossom petals are carefully collected and dried. The dried cherry blossom petals are mixed with the processed green tea leaves. The ratio of cherry blossom petals to green tea leaves can vary depending on the desired intensity of the Sakura flavor.
Infusing and Flavoring: The mixture of green tea leaves and cherry blossom petals can sit and infuse for a specific period. During this time, the flavor and aroma of the cherry blossoms gradually infuse into the green tea leaves, creating the distinctive Sakura green tea flavor.
Final Drying and Packaging: Once the desired Sakura flavor is achieved, the tea is subjected to a final drying process to remove excess moisture and ensure proper preservation. The finished Sakura green tea is then carefully packaged and sealed to maintain its freshness and flavor.

For Sakura Matcha, the process begins with selecting high-quality matcha made from shade-grown green tea leaves. The leaves are carefully harvested, steamed, dried, deveined, and ground into a fine powder.

As with Sakura Sencha, the Sakura petals are collected, dried, and mixed with the matcha. The proportions and blending method can vary based on the intended taste profile.

To ensure consistency and quality, the infused matcha is carefully tested. Adjustments may be made to achieve the desired taste, aroma, and color.

Sakura Green Tea Aroma and Flavor

Sakura green tea combines the traditional grassy and vegetal notes of green tea with the subtle taste of cherry blossoms. Here’s a breakdown of its flavor profile:

Green Tea Base: The primary taste comes from the green tea leaves used in the blend. It typically exhibits a fresh, grassy, and slightly vegetal flavor characteristic of green tea.
Floral Aroma: The defining feature of Sakura green tea is the floral aroma derived from the cherry blossom petals. The infusion of dried cherry blossom petals imparts a gentle and captivating floral fragrance to the tea.
Subtle Sweetness: Sakura green tea may have a delicate, natural sweetness that harmonizes with the floral notes. The sweetness is not overpowering but rather adds a pleasant touch to the overall taste.
Balancing Bitterness: Like most green teas, Sakura green tea can have a mild bitterness, especially if brewed at higher temperatures or for extended periods. However, the bitterness is usually well-balanced by the floral and sweet elements.
Refreshing and Light: Overall, the tea offers a stimulating and light cup, making it an enjoyable and soothing beverage, especially during the spring season when cherry blossoms bloom.

It’s important to note that the specific flavor and aroma of the tea can vary depending on the quality of the green tea leaves and the proportion of cherry blossom petals used in the blend.

Some blends may have a more pronounced cherry blossom flavor, while others might emphasize green tea’s natural characteristics. Experimenting with different brands and varieties can lead to finding the tea that best suits your palate.

Brewing Guide for Sakura Green Tea

To brew the perfect cup of tea (Sakura Sencha), follow these simple steps:

Start by boiling water. It’s best to use fresh, cold water for a better taste.
While waiting for the water to boil, measure out one teaspoon of sakura green tea leaves per cup.
Place the tea leaves in a tea infuser or strainer and put it in your cup.
Once the water has reached the appropriate temperature (about 80°C or 176°F), pour it over the tea leaves.
Let the tea steep for 2-3 minutes. You can adjust the steeping time to your liking, but be careful not to oversteep the tea as it can become bitter.
Remove the tea infuser or strainer, and enjoy your delicious cup of green tea!

If you prefer cold tea, follow the same steps, but let the tea cool down before serving over ice.

Remember always to use fresh, boiled water for the best taste. And, if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint for a refreshing twist.

Sakura Green Tea Health Benefits

Sakura green tea has numerous health benefits. Here are some of the benefits of consuming it:

Rich in Antioxidants: The tea is a rich source of antioxidants, which help to protect your body from damage caused by free radicals. These antioxidants can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s.
Anti-inflammatory Properties: Sakura green tea contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can help to reduce inflammation in the body. This can benefit people suffering from arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Boosts Immune System: This tea contains compounds that can help to boost your immune system and fight off infections. Drinking Sakura green tea regularly can help to keep you healthy and reduce your risk of getting sick.
Promotes Relaxation: The tea contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which can help to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Drinking Sakura green tea can help you to feel calm and relaxed.

Sakura Green Tea and Japanese Sweets

Sakura green tea is a perfect match for Japanese sweets and desserts. Here are some great pairing suggestions:

Mochi: This sweet rice cake is a popular Japanese dessert in various flavors. The chewy texture of mochi and the sweet filling inside go well with the light, flowery taste of the tea.
Dorayaki: This pancake-like dessert is filled with sweet red bean paste. The combination of the soft, fluffy texture of dorayaki and the light, refreshing taste of sakura green tea is a match made in heaven.
Taiyaki: This fish-shaped cake is usually filled with sweet red bean paste or custard. The crispy exterior of taiyaki and the warm, gooey filling goes well with the fragrant aroma of this tea.

Japanese sweets are not the only snacks that go well with sakura green tea. You can also pair it with other Japanese snacks like senbei (rice crackers), yokan (sweet jelly), and wagashi (traditional Japanese confectionery).

Buying Sakura Green Tea

Here are some tips for buying sakura green tea:

Look for a reputable seller: When buying this tea, you want to ensure you get a high-quality product. Look for a seller with good reviews and a reputation for selling authentic Japanese teas.
Check for free shipping: Some sellers offer free product shipping, saving you money. Look for this option when making your purchase.
Choose loose-leaf tea: Loose-leaf tea is generally considered higher quality than tea bags. It allows the tea leaves to expand fully and release their flavor. Loose-leaf tea is your best option if you have a tea infuser or strainer.
Consider the grade: Sakura Matcha comes in different grades, from ceremonial to culinary grade. If you want the best quality tea, look for ceremonial grade. Culinary grade will work just fine if you’re using the tea for cooking or baking.
Look for a master blender: A master blender has extensive knowledge and experience in blending tea. If you can find a seller that employs a master blender, you can be sure that the tea you’re buying has been carefully crafted for maximum flavor.

If you are thinking about buying the tea online, please take into consideration the following recommendations:

Matcha Green Tea Powder with Cherry Blossom Tea

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Green Tea with Sakura Petals

Buy on Amazon now!

Tea Forte Cherry Blossoms Organic Green Tea

Buy on Amazon now!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the health benefits of Sakura tea?

Sakura tea is known for its high antioxidant content, which helps to reduce inflammation and prevent cell damage. It also contains caffeine, boosting energy levels and improving mental focus. Sakura tea may also help to lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health.

How does Sakura Sencha taste compare to other green teas?

Sakura Sencha has a delicate, floral flavor unique to this type of tea. It is less bitter than green tea and has a slightly sweet aftertaste.

What is the difference between Sakura Sencha and regular Sencha tea?

Sakura Sencha is a type of green tea that is blended with cherry blossoms. This gives it a unique flavor and aroma different from regular Sencha tea. Regular Sencha tea is made solely from green tea leaves and has a more grassy and earthy taste.

What is Kucha tea, and how is it different from Sakura tea?

Kucha tea is a type of black tea grown in the Yunnan province of China. It is known for its rich, earthy flavor and is often used in blends with other teas. On the other hand, Sakura tea is a type of green tea blended with cherry blossoms. The two teas have different flavor profiles and are made of different kinds of tea leaves.