In our first journal entry, we looked at what's inside every cup of Japanese green tea — the catechins, theanine, and vitamin C that make it so good for you. But great tea isn't only about what's in the leaf; it's about who judges it before it ever reaches you. That responsibility falls to a craftsman with centuries of tradition behind him: the Tea Master, or Chashi.
When it comes to Japanese tea, there is another key figure alongside the tea farmers who grow the leaves: the Tea Master (Chashi). These artisans are indispensable to the story of Japanese tea and its flavor.
What is a Chashi?
A Chashi is a specialized craftsman who purchases, processes, and blends tea leaves. Their work broadly falls into three main steps:
1. Selection and Purchasing
To secure high-quality leaves, a Chashi evaluates tea leaves based on four key criteria:
- Appearance — The shape, size, color, and luster of the leaves.
- Aroma — The fragrance of both the dry leaves and the brewed tea.
- Color of the Infusion — The color and clarity of the brewed tea.
- Flavor — The taste, depth, and richness on the palate.
Only leaves that meet these strict standards are selected. Chashi sometimes work directly with farmers, consulting on cultivation techniques and harvest timing.
2. Sorting and Roasting
Freshly purchased leaves are not yet ready for consumption. First, they are sorted to unify their size and shape. Next comes hi-ire (roasting). This removes any harsh raw notes and brings out a toasty aroma and smooth sweetness. Fine-tuning the temperature and timing of this process is where a Chashi truly showcases their skill.
3. Blending
Japanese tea is primarily blended tea. While coffee lovers often enjoy "single-origin" beans, in the world of tea, it is common to combine the strengths of several varieties to create a harmony of richer flavors and aromas. Blending is considered the most crucial part of a Chashi’s job. By combining different tea leaves, they create a rich, nuanced flavor profile that no single leaf could achieve on its own. Even tea leaves of the same variety vary in taste from year to year depending on the weather and harvest timing. A Chashi’s expertise lies in reading these subtle variations to deliver a consistently delicious tea year after year.
Why Tea Masters are Essential
Because tea is an agricultural product, its flavor naturally varies depending on the weather and harvest year. However, through expert evaluation and blending techniques, Chashi adjust for these natural fluctuations, ensuring customers enjoy a consistently delicious taste every time.
At Uzuki, we offer Japanese tea crafted with the expertise of these experienced Chashi—carefully selected, processed, and blended with utmost dedication. By discerning the characteristics of each leaf and adjusting for seasonal changes, they achieve a rich aroma and smooth, mellow flavor that remains consistently exceptional.
We invite you to experience a cup brought to life by master craftsmanship with Uzuki's tea collection.