Blog Charaku

We're pleased to advise our new local web site, hope not too much is lost in English translation
http://locoplace.jp/t000131276/

Charaku is pleased to present two new Houji-cha tea (roasted green tea) products.
Apart from Sencha, Houji-cha is another popular kind of green tea in Japan. Tea leaves for producing Houji-cha are usually late-harvested leaves or twigs. Compared to other kind of Japanese green teas, Houji-cha is dried at a high temperature and roasted on a charcoal fire, therefore it is characterised by its unique roast-aroma and its red-brown infusion. Because Houji-cha contains a low amount of catechin, it is no astringent but has a soothing taste. Houji-cha is especially favoured as an after-dinner drink in Japan.

Super Premium Houji-Cha
This tea is produced in Kyoto-Uji using Sencha tea leaves harvested in Watsuka and Asamiya (Kyoto). This is a super premium quality Houji-cha with strong roast aroma. Its superb aroma and fine taste has won this tea a fine reputation and it has been used for serving customers in famous and traditional Japanese style hotels and restaurants in Kyoto.

Premium Houji-cha
Produced in Kyoto-Uji. It has a very nice roasted aroma with a mild nutty flavour. This tea is suitable for a summer drink too, being chilled in fridge after brewing.

Hurry! Time’s running out! Submit your green tea recipe to be in the running to win this exquisite hand-made tea pot.

Maybe you’ve baked some matcha cookies, confectionary, cakes or created your own drink using Japanese Green Tea as a base. Here’s a reminder of the competition from our Home Page:

Win this fabulous teapot pottered by the famous Tokoname Kyusu factory and valued at over us$100.
Simply email your Japanese green tea recipe to info@tea-charaku.com
The lucky winner will be decided on December 12th 2009 so you will receive the prize before Christmas. The best recipe in our opinion will win.

Here’s a recipe we trialled and enjoyed recently for Matcha Cheese Cake.

Ingredients:

-10 x plain tea biscuits, 40g of unsalted butter
-200g of cream cheese, 100g of granulated sugar, 2 eggs, 100g of full cream, 2tsp lemon juice, 40gm plain flour, 2tsp matcha powder

icing sugar to sprinkle over for decoration


Method:

1. Preheat Oven to 170C
2. Place biscuits in a plastic bag and crush to fine crumbs. Add melted butter, mix well and press into the bottom of a 15cm diameter cake tin.
3. Let cream cheese stand until soft then add sugar and mix well.
4. Add eggs, fresh cream and lemon juice continuing to mix well.
5. Sift flour and matcha together then fold into cream cheese mixture.
6. Pour the mixture into the cake tin and bake for 50-60 minutes. If the mixture browns too quickly cover with foil.
7. Allow to cool after cooking then refrigerate until chilled.
8. Decorate with sifted icing sugar.

Bon Appetite!

DRINKING five cups of green tea a day can slash the risk of developing certain blood cancers, it is claimed.


Researchers saw the chance of developing such cancers drop by 42 per cent compared with those who drank one cup or less.

Drinking this amount daily was also found to be associated with 48 per cent lower risk of lymph system cancers.

Previous research has shown the tea, drunk in China, Japan and the Middle East, has a host of benefits including staving off cancers, helping the heart, boosting the brain and lowering levels of “bad” cholesterol.

The latest study, carried out at Tohoku University School of Medicine in Sendai, Japan, and published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, looked at the diets and green-tea drinking habits of 41,761 Japanese adults aged 40 to 79.

They had no history of cancer and were followed for development of blood and lymph-system cancers.

The study confirmed the benefits. Researchers also found a reduced risk of blood-related cancers even among obese patients “considered to have higher risk of these”.
Daily Express UK 15th October 2009
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/134079/Green-tea-cuts-cancer-risk

July in Sapporo has been wet, very wet; mercifully not as wet as some parts of the main island Honshu where there has been significant loss of life through floods and landslides. We did have a tragic reminder though of the unpredictability of this wilderness northern island when, even in midsummer, 10 experienced bushwalkers perished from exposure whilst trekking in the Daisetsu-zan National Park.
On a brighter note the humid conditions have made the gardens lush green and colorful and our veggie patches and commercial crops are sprinting towards a good harvest.

According to my English language newspaper ‘The Daily Yomiuri’ Hokkaido’s experiencing a 13 fold increase in Chinese visitors compared with last year. This is attributed to the release in China of the film ‘If you are the one’ (Feicheng Wurao), which features Shiretoko Lake, Akan and other sites of beautiful Hokkaido.



I visited Otaru for the first time in early July. It’s our closest port. Interestingly Vladivostok is closer to us than Tokyo which explains the frequent Russian street signs. The town is scruffy as most ports in the world are but the ‘old’ section has been transformed into a tourist Mecca. A canal stretches along the water front where it used to service the loading of cargo to a strip of warehouses. Many of the warehouses have been converted to shops and restaurants. The shops sparkle with exceptional offerings of ‘Viennese’ glassware, a legacy from the days of blowing glass marine buoys and tinkle to the sound of musical boxes. The canal is illuminated by gas light at night so you can imagine the ‘Olde’ world ambience that is achieved. Add to this rickshaws and horse drawn carriages for tourists and the scene is set. My partner was eager for me to try the local seafood for which Otaru is renowned; the drawback was parking in the center of town. I vowed to return in a couple of week’s time when a food festival and firework display at the marina was assured. Next we’ll book into a hotel to allow us to browse the treasures of Otaru at our pleasure. This is where the ‘Surreal Tikka Masala’ kicks in. We were hungry and searching for somewhere with parking so that we could relax over lunch. The surreal experience was the unexpected find of an authentic Indian restaurant tucked away in this outpost with Indians speaking fluent Japanese whilst we watched a Russian variety program on cable TV. The food incidentally was authentic too and quite delicious. (Japanese curry is a bit thick and sweet for my taste).

Our second visit was better planned. We booked in the Hotel ‘Sonia’ close to the seafront and in the centre of the action. Torrential rain for the entire weekend didn’t mar our or other tourists’ enjoyment of the weekend. Umbrellas were prevalent. We kicked off in a beer garden for dinner, all you can eat for $12, sound familiar? Well it wasn’t one of those pig-out establishments. Each table had an inbuilt circular hotplate for one of Sapporo’s highlights, the Ghengis Khan BBQ. Here you griddle your choice of finely sliced lamb, beef, chicken and vegetables selected from a vast range. The buffet also included plentiful and attractive offerings of the primary Otaru specialty, seafood. Add to that soup, stews, cakes, fruit, jellies and ice creams all presented with thoughtfulness and color. Outside live bands were playing golden oldies from the 60’s and 70’s from an undercover stage erected on a bridge spanning the canal. Mercifully the rain held off long enough for us to take a stroll around the shops, restored warehouses and illuminated buildings of historical significance. Back to the hotel for a relaxing spa bath, then from our 8th floor balcony a spectacular view of the firework display at the marina, about a km away along the seafront. The next morning it was still raining so we opted for the aquarium. Very impressive with a most entertaining seal and dolphin display, inside thankfully.
The lunch. Well you've probably seen them on TV; a restaurant with a conveyor belt continuously on the go with plates of goodies on it, mainly seafood (sashimi and sushi), but some chicken, fruits and sweets too. Basically as a plate you fancy passes by you just lift it off the belt and enjoy. The plates are different colors to represent varying prices. At the end then you press the bell for the waitress who comes and totes up your plates to reach the final figure. Dangerous way to eat but the fun bit is when you've 'pigged' out and are just sitting there waiting for something irresistible to come along.

There is sufficient evidence that Japanese Green Tea is good for your health (see Health Benifit ) and claims it prevents some forms of cancer (see Charaku blog March 31 2009 'Green Tea and Cancer Research').

Personally I think that Japanese Green Tea stands on its merits as a very pleasant beverage to relax with. However, I can report my own weight loss achievement of 10kgs in 3 months. How? First you have to want to lose weight and be serious about it. I started by substituting my evening relaxation with a fine Australian Shiraz or Cab. Sav., with a cup of Sencha or Gyokuro, this was easier to do than I thought. Then I doubled my walks with the dog (an American Cocker named ‘Rooney’), and guess what? As you begin to feel the weight loss, the walks become enjoyable. I substituted cookies and chocolate for fruit. Finally, I upped my interest in gardening, the gentlest of all exercise. Persistence is the key. The immediate effect was dramatic, about two kilos in a week, then there was a lull for 2-3 weeks which sets one wondering but soon the weight started to drip off again. The feeling of well-being is worth the small sacrifices I can vouch for that.

There’s a quaintness about Sapporo that takes me back to my childhood in Kent (now suburban London), 55 years ago. It’s a comfort zone that’s delightful to revisit and a reminder of how community pride and concern, home grown produce (a war time legacy when I was a kid), for the family and sharing with neighbours and the consequent slow cooking improves one’s wellbeing.

In our street the young mum’s seem happy to be working at home, maybe a luxury in this modern world because house prices are affordable to pay off on a single income here. Cars are driven with caution allowing children to play in the road with confidence; tiny tots walk to school unescorted without fear and seniors are active in their gardens, taking a stroll or enjoying their cross between ‘pitch and put' and putting golf-like game. In essence the streets are alive and therefore, safe. In nearly a year of living here now I’ve not witnessed an act of vandalism; seen a drunk or had hoons dropping ‘wheelies’ on the street in the early hours of the morning.

Apart from the home grown food Sapporo benefits from a rich volcanic soil, it’s still host to dormant volcanoes and frequent earth tremors (you seldom feel them and get used to the TV. announcements); subsequently agriculture is evident on a massive scale. On my now regular summer drives into the country I’ve witnessed onions, melons (in hot houses), rice, asparagus and potatoes on farms stretching as far as the eye can see. Fish and other seafood are plentiful and cheap here too.











Yesterday we visited Kyogoku park which sits on the foothills of Yotiezan (Hokkaido’s Mt Fuji), and hosts a magnificent spring. The water is fast running, cold, pure and sweet. The authorities of this beautiful park have been thoughtful enough to supply mugs for visitors to capture a taste from the water cascading through wooden pipes running adjacent to a waterfall.
Peace of mind, Japanese Green Tea and a healthy diet have improved this scribe’s life immensely. Thanks Sapporo.

Harvest season of 2009 has started in Shizuoka where they’re having humungous tasting sessions in the morning as numerous tea samples arrive from the farmers on a daily basis. Herewith some photo’s of the hand picking taken just a few days ago compliments of Maruyama Tea Products. 2009’s quality green tea will soon be available in our shop.


Our Spring/Summer Specials have been published on line if you’ve missed them. We’re offering a 5 for 4 special on two of our best selling teas + ‘The Green Tea Book’ as an incentive to new members. Existing members who would like a copy of the book please let me know at derek@tea-charaku.com and we’ll ship a copy to you with your next order. Watch out for new developments on our web site over the next few months to facilitate easier shopping for you and a new look page format.

Like most ex-pat Australians, especially those from Melbourne I’ve been agonizing over the bush fire tragedy over the past two weeks. To see the beautiful township of Marysville reduced to rubble invokes fond memories of holidays there, last time befriending a koala that made its home in a gum tree adjacent to the decking where I enjoyed my afternoon glass of red. Sadly the resort where I stayed then is totally destroyed. So many townships made familiar my fishing weekends have fallen victim to the fires from Redesdale, near Bendigo to Buxton and even as far as Yarram.

When I left Melbourne last July we had already experienced a 10 year drought and water restrictions were severe. We could only water the garden by hand for two hours a week from 6am to 8am, showers were limited to 4 minutes and washing water was saved to bucket onto the roses. Here’s a copy of an email I sent recently to my sister who lives on the Central Coast of New South Wales which describes my dramatic change of environment.

“Ah, Margaretta, bath time, one of the delights of Japanese life. Our bathroom is about 3m x 2m and the whole room is the bath really. The shower is attached to the wall, one low fixture for sitting on a stool and a high setting for a stand up shower. The tub is the same as a large Aussie bath. The concept is that you shower in the room to get clean before relaxing in the tub. The main thing here is no shortage of water. I remember when I first arrived being shocked at seeing a restaurant owner hosing down his outdoor furniture, coming from Melbourne where you could water your garden for an hour twice a week at about 6am in the morning, I felt a twinge of guilt at the sight. Now of course I'm used to the extravagance. By the way Sapporo also boasts some great spa resorts and it's not uncommon to go to a bath house for the day or to stay over. The resorts are quite beautiful, the bathing facilities superb in both public and private bath rooms that you can hire by the hour. You can even sit in a hot tub outside at this time of the year with the snow falling around a beautiful garden setting. The food is great in the resorts too.
Love d”

For those whose lives have been devastated by the Victorian bush fires you can donate to
http://www.redcross.org.au/vic/services_emergencyservices_victorian-bushfires-appeal-2009.htm

Did I die and go to heaven? This is a fabulous day for the men folk of Japan. Today it is the female of the species that pampers her mate with chocolate temptations. Males can just relax and enjoy the attention, for a month at least, next month it’s our turn to reciprocate on ‘White’ Day.
Today my green tea experience will be embellished by that other special gift from nature, the product of the cocoa bean, a sublime combination.

Visitors to ‘Charaku’ may be forgiven for gaining the impression that tea drinking in Japan is a solemn activity and indeed ‘Cha no yu’ (Tea Ceremony), is steeped in tradition and is treated with reverence. However ‘Cha no yu’ is not an everyday experience. On a daily basis we enjoy our tea much the same as westerners enjoy their ‘cuppa’ as a break, for social intercourse and an excuse to pair the taste with different cakes or confectionary.
There’s a lot of fun to be had cooking with green tea too.
Here’s a simple recipe we trialed this week which supplied a delicious accompaniment to our evening, TV. viewing, pot of tea.

‘Matcha’ Cookie
Ingredients
230g plain flour
100g butter
80g sugar
1 egg
2tsp ‘Matcha’ powder

Method
1) Preheat the oven to 170C and prepare a baking plate by lightly oiling or, preferably, use a baking sheet.
2) Cream the butter and sugar together.
3) Gradually stir in a whisked egg.
4) Fold in the flour and ‘Matcha’ powder and mix well.
5) Roll the mixture on a floured board to about 5mm thick and cut to shape with a biscuit cutter or the top of a glass.
6) Bake for 20 minutes

Makes about a dozen cookies.
If you’ve got a Japanese Green Tea recipe that’s tried and tested please share it with us.