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Hello tea lovers and those curious about exquisite flavors! Today, we're off to discover a magical place, where green leaves dance to the rhythm of the clouds and mountains keep a benevolent eye on every sip. Fasten your seatbelts, because we're off to Japan's very first Obuchi Sasaba tea garden, with the majestic Mount Fuji as our backdrop. Hold on tight, because this is a sensory adventure you won't soon forget!

Imagine yourself surrounded by misty clouds, in a garden where every cup of tea tells a thousand-year-old story. That's exactly what you'll find at Obuchi Sasaba. With Mount Fuji slightly hidden in the folds of cloud, this tea garden is a veritable living postcard. Rows of tea bushes in perfect harmony with nature, inviting you to sit back, breathe deeply and connect with the very essence of Japan.

But the adventure doesn't end there! We're off to meet the prodigious producer of Moriuchi Farm, near Shizuoka. Get your taste buds ready, because you're about to be transported into the fascinating world of Japanese teas. Sencha yabukita, kabusecha and gyokuro saemidori: names that sound like a delicate melody to any self-respecting tea lover.

Tasting is a veritable ballet of flavors. Each sip reveals a unique palette of flavors, from herbal notes to sweet, umami aromas that tickle your senses. You can't help but be swept away by the waves of pleasure that pour into each cup.

And then there's the garden tour. It's as if you're walking through a living tableau, where each plant seems to tell its own story. The leaves dancing in the wind, the rows of tea bushes lined up with artistic precision, all remind you that every sip of tea you savor is the fruit of hard work and immeasurable passion.

The icing on the cake of this adventure is the encounter itself. Meeting the producer, hearing her passionate account of tea growing, her connection to the land and her commitment to tradition, is an experience that warms the heart as much as the hands that hold the cup.

In conclusion, this escapade to the first tea garden at Obuchi Sasaba and this meeting with the producer of the Moriuchi farm are an invitation to plunge into the very soul of Japan, through dancing tea leaves and watching mountains. So, if you're ready to be enchanted by the delicate aroma of history and terroir, get ready for an unforgettable tea adventure that will stay with you forever.

Infuse yourself with health with Ashwagandha

Today, I'd like to focus on Ayurveda, a traditional Indian medicine that emphasizes disease prevention and health maintenance. One of the most interesting aspects of this practice is its philosophy of regeneration.

According to Ayurveda, our bodies have the power to regenerate naturally, but to achieve this, it's important to take care of our bodies and minds. There are many tools and techniques to support regeneration in Ayurveda, such as diet, exercise, herbs and massage. However, one of the most popular herbs for this purpose is ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng.

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic plant, which means it helps the body adapt to stress and anxiety. It is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties and beneficial effects on immune function. In addition, it has been used to improve mental function and memory, as well as reducing anxiety and depression. There are many ways to take ashwagandha, including as an extract or powder. You can also find it in capsule or tea form.

Discover all our Ayurvedic herbal teas on our website, to care for your taste buds and your health.

How to brew Japanese green tea

I'm happy to talk to you today about fermentation and antioxidants, two processes that can have a positive impact on your well-being and regeneration.Fermentation is a natural process in which food or drink is allowed to break down using bacteria, yeast or fungi. This produces new substances, such as vinegar, yogurt, kimchi, miso and bread.

Fermentation can also be used to preserve food, reducing the risk of bacterial contamination. Fermented foods are often rich in probiotics, i.e. bacteria beneficial to digestive and immune health. They can help rebalance the intestinal flora, promoting the growth of healthy bacteria and reducing that of harmful ones. This can have a positive effect on digestion, appetite regulation and the reduction of irritable bowel symptoms.

Antioxidants are molecules that protect the body's cells against free radicals, which are unstable molecules that damage cells. They can be produced naturally by the body, but can also be found in certain foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts. Antioxidants are often associated with health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease, cancer and premature aging. They can also help protect cells from oxidative stress, a process that can damage cells and contribute to the onset of disease.

Now I'd like to tell you about Pu'erh, a tea that is particularly rich in antioxidants and health benefits. Pu'erh is a fermented tea from the Yunnan region of China. The harvesting and processing of leaves for dark teas is separate and independent from that of green and black teas. It's a world apart, and particularly technical. Pu'erh is an excellent source of antioxidants to help preserve your health and slow down premature aging. Pu'erh has a unique taste and a slightly earthy flavor, which can be pleasant or less enjoyable depending on taste.

It is often considered a "digestive" tea, as it can help ease digestion and reduce bloating. It is also considered a detoxifying tea, as it can help eliminate toxins and impurities from the body. Pu'erh is also considered a calming and soothing tea, which can help reduce stress and anxiety. It can be a good alternative to drinks containing caffeine, if you are sensitive to this substance and are looking for a way to relax and unwind.

There's nothing better than testing its beneficial effects on your body and mind. You'll find all our Pu'erh teas in our online store. Carefully selected by our Tea Master, we're sure you'll find what you're looking for.

How to brew Japanese green tea

The Japanese have created a unique product, a symbol of their demanding and refined culture. Tasting Japanese green tea correctly means taking the time to relax, while developing your concentration and learning about tea. Each type of Japanese tea requires special attention and a different process, from infusion time to water temperature. 

For Genmaicha, Hojicha and Bancha teas, a normal teapot is ideal. For Sencha teas, on the other hand, we recommend the Senchado technique, which involves brewing several successive infusions with the same leaves to develop new flavours each time.

The process for brewing Japanese tea also varies according to the type of tea. For example, to brew Sencha, heat a teapot (ideally a kyusu), lay down the leaves (between 3 and 6g) and pour hot water over the leaves, making sure that the temperature does not exceed 70-80°C. The first infusion should last about a minute, while subsequent infusions will be much shorter (between 20 and 30 seconds).

The process is different for some Japanese teas, such as Gyokuro Saemidori. For two people, you need between 6 and 8g of tea and between 60 and 80ml of water. This tea should be drunk in small quantities to extract the maximum umami, resulting in a highly concentrated liquor. The ideal temperature for this tea is between 50 and 60°C, much lower than for Sencha Okumidori (70-80°C). The first infusion takes around 2 to 3 minutes, and should then be halved for the second infusion.

Don't forget that the instructions for brewing Japanese tea may vary according to the type of tea. For further details, ask our T-Lovers in store for advice, and discover our selection of Tekoé green teas!

Today we're talking about... Jukro

Today, we're talking about one of the 10 best teas in the world, with a single annual production, Jukro.

Our Jukro is an exceptional black tea from South Korea. This tea is produced by a passionate grower named Cho Yun-Seok, who hand-roasts each batch to give it complex, rich notes, with a hint of cocoa and almost vanilla.

Jukro tea is grown in the Hadong region of southern South Korea. It is produced in April after a single plucking, making it one of the world's top 10 Grand Cru teas. To enjoy this tea to the full, it's important to prepare the water at a temperature of 95 degrees and to let the leaves infuse for 2min30 to 3min for the first infusion. The same leaves can be used for several successive infusions.

The final roasting is carried out in 5-kilo batches, giving the tea a more or less chocolaty flavor, depending on the batch and conditions. Since the quantity produced each year is limited, we are fortunate to be able to offer this tea in our boutiques, with the guarantee of still having a few kilos of the next harvest available from the end of May at TEKOE.

As you sip, you'll discover cocoa notes, followed by caramel and vanilla. There's even a hint of spice and cooked fruit, creating a perfect harmony. In addition to its incredible taste, the liqueur's texture is smooth and silky, for an exceptional taste experience.

Perfect preparation

Are you a tea lover who wants to learn more about tea preparation? According to Sen No Rikyu, a 16th-century Japanese tea master, the winning triptych of tea preparation can be summed up in three steps: heat the water, prepare the tea and drink it properly.

It's essential to respect these three key elements to fully appreciate the quality of your tea. In general, we recommend 2 grams of tea for a volume of water of between 10 and 15cl.

Infusion time also varies according to the type of tea, from a few seconds for some to ten minutes for others. The chemical composition of each tea will determine its duration. For example, an oolong tea can infuse for a long time, even several times. Conversely, a Japanese green tea should not be steeped for more than 2 minutes. Information on the infusion time of each tea is also indicated on our products and can be obtained from our T-ambassadors in store.

Finally, the optimal water temperature for each type or color of tea must also be respected to fully appreciate its flavors. This information is also specified on all our products in the TEKOE boutique or online. So don't wait any longer to enjoy your favorite tea in the best possible conditions!