Discover the Smooth Umami of Matsusaka Tea: Deep-Steaming for Exceptional Flavor

Ranked third in tea production across Japan. Matsusaka Tea: A Hidden Gem in Mie’s Tea-Producing Tradition

Matsusaka City, positioned in the heart of Mie Prefecture and bordered by Ise Bay, is known for its extensive food culture and natural beauty. While our series of seven articles introduces Matsusaka’s famous local specialties, this time we’re focusing on Matsusaka Tea. Mie Prefecture, with a tea cultivation area and production volume ranking just behind Shizuoka and Kagoshima, is a major tea-growing region in Japan. In particular, Matsusaka’s Iinan and Iitaka areas are prominent producers of deep-steamed sencha, and here we’ll explore Matsusaka Tea’s rich heritage and distinctive qualities.

From Ise Tea to Matsusaka Tea: A Storied Tradition

Deep-steamed Sencha in the 1960s

Tea leaves grown in the mountainous Iinan and Iidaka regions are suitable for deep steaming, and became popular in Tokyo, where they were shipped. After that, the former Iinan town marketed the tea as "Iinan tea," and the former Iidaka town marketed it as "Kahada tea," but after the merger of the cities and towns, the name "Matsusaka tea" was created in 2010.

The Flavor and Characteristics of Deep-Steamed Matsusaka Tea

The Flavor and Characteristics of Deep-Steamed Matsusaka Tea

As mentioned above, Matsusaka tea is a type of "deep-steamed sencha." This type of tea is made by steaming the tea leaves for nearly twice as long as normal tea. The steam heat is thoroughly applied to the tea leaves, which brings out the tea's ingredients well, resulting in a rich flavor and color.

Matsusaka tea is less bitter than Sencha, has a deep green color when brewed, and has a mellow, rich flavor. Another appealing feature is that when brewed in a teapot, you can enjoy the change in flavor from the first to the third brew.

Tips for brewing and drinking Matsusaka tea well

1. Bring the water to a boil to remove the chlorine, then cool it to around 70-80 degrees.

2. Put tea leaves into the teapot. The recommended amount is about 2g per person.

3. Pour hot water into the teapot, cover it and wait for about 30 to 40 seconds.

4. Stand the teapot upright and pour the tea into the cup. Pour out every last drop.

(Avoid shaking the teapot as this will rub the tea leaves and cause them to taste bitter or astringent.)

5. Enjoy the aroma and savor the tea slowly

Enjoy the mellow taste of Matsusaka tea

Matsusaka tea, produced in the naturally rich Iinan and Iitaka areas on the west side of Matsusaka city, is a deep-steamed sencha full of flavor and deliciousness. The tea is grown and brewed in an environment perfect for tea making, so you can enjoy the taste. Please come to Matsusaka and experience the deliciousness of Matsusaka tea.

[For more information about Matsusaka City, click here]