Stash Tea: Yamamotoyama 1690 Teas of China and Japan FAQ

Yamamotoyama presents nine classic teas of China and Japan. Some rustic, some refined, revered for healing properties or unique flavor. All perfected over three centuries of tea making. Classic China Oolong, flowery Chrysanthemum, traditional Japanese Genmai, aromatic Ginger Tea, Green tea and Ginseng, delicate Jasmine, Kukicha twig tea, ancient medicinal Pu-erh tea and Special Occasion Green Tea.

Who is Yamamotoyama?

Founded in 1690, Yamamotoyama is one of the oldest family run tea companies in the world. More than 300 years of experience go into the selection and processing of Yamamotoyama teas, among the finest in the world. Stash Tea is distributing these exceptional teas in the United States.

I've heard that green tea is good for you. What about oolong tea?

Although green tea has received more media attention than black and oolong tea, all tea is good for you. Black, oolong and green tea come from the same bush, the camellia sinensis. Green tea is the least processed and closest to the tea plant in its natural state. Green tea contains more antioxidants than black and oolong teas.

Studies have shown that tea drinking may protect against serious diseases such as stroke, cancer and heart disease. Tea's medicinal potential springs from compounds called polyphenols. These polyphenols scavenge cell-damaging free radicals, which are linked with cancer-causing genes and cause LDL cholesterol to form artery-clogging plaque. The polyphenols in tea possess 20 to 30 times the antioxidant potency of vitamins C and E.

Other health benefits include: tea is low in caffeine - tea has just enough caffeine to elevate the mood and improve blood circulation. Black tea has on average 40mg of caffeine per 6 oz cup, oolong tea 25mg, and green tea 15mg. Whereas a 6 oz cup of drip coffee has 80mg of caffeine and 2 oz of espresso packs 90mg! Herbal teas (as they are not true teas) are naturally caffeine free.

Further, tea is not as harsh on the system as coffee; tea is low in calories or contains no calories; tea has no fat or sugar; tea drinking aids digestion. Green tea contains ascorbic acid in amounts comparable to a lemon, B vitamins, potassium, and other minerals. All teas (particularly green teas) contain fluoride, a mineral that prevents the development of bacterial plaque which leads to tooth decay.

Which teas in the Yamamotoyama line are green teas?

The Yamamotoyama line includes six green teas: Special Occasion Green tea, the Ginger tea is a green tea blend, traditional Genmai, a green tea and brown rice blend, Kukicha, a traditional Japanese roasted green tea, Jasmine is a green tea scented with delicate jasmine blossoms, and the Green Tea and Ginseng blend.
BACK TO TOP

I've heard that Ginseng is good for you. Please tell me about it and what types of Ginseng are used in the Ginseng Tea?

Ginseng is famous as a medicinal herb, reputed to enhance performance under stress and boost immune response. It has long been cultivated in China, Korea and Japan. Ginseng literally means "root of man", as the root resembles the shape of a human body. Often referred to as the "king of herbs", ginseng is a deciduous perennial, which means that the root lives for many years, even though the stem and foliage die back at the end of each growing season.

Almost 2,000 years ago, the Chinese believed that ginseng increased longevity. The root has since been recognized as a potent overall health tonic. The main active ingredients in ginseng are called ginsenosides. The higher the level of ginsenosides, the better the quality of the ginseng.

Ginseng is considered an "adaptogen", a substance that protects against physical and mental stress and helps body functions return to normal more quickly than they otherwise would. Ginseng is touted for increasing physical and mental endurance. It has also been studied as an aid in preventing heart disease, as it helps to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Ginseng may also inhibit growth of some cancerous tumors.

The Yamamotoyama Green Tea and Ginseng is a blend of green tea, Siberian ginseng and Chinese Panax ginseng. Chinese Panax ginseng is one of the most prized and expensive herbs. Its Latin name comes from the word "panaxos" or panacea, which means "cure all". Chinese Panax ginseng has a higher level of ginsenosides (the main active ingredient in ginseng) than other forms of ginseng, which makes it a more expensive ginseng. Siberian ginseng (also known as Eleuthero ginseng) is a milder ginseng with the same beneficial properties. Combined with Japanese green tea, the Yamamotoyama Green tea and Ginseng blend produces a bracing, slightly astringent drink.
BACK TO TOP

What is Ginger tea good for and how does it taste?

Aromatic ginger, long used as a flavoring and a medicinal root, lends a distinctive tang and aroma to traditional Japanese green tea. It has a flavor both spicy and delicate, a soothing drink for any season.

Recent scientific studies have validated that ginger improves digestion and relieves gastro intestinal problems. Ginger is also said to be effective against motion sickness and in reducing dizziness, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and abdominal spasms. Ginger is also noted for helping to reduce congestion, ease a sore throat, assist in fighting off colds and flu and in clearing the respiratory system.
BACK TO TOP

What is Pu-erh? (pronounced "Poo-air")

Pu-erh is an ancient medicinal tea from China's Yunnan Province. It is a very rare tea because it is virtually unknown outside of China. The manufacturing of Pu-erh is still ranked among China's state secrets.

Pu-erh is special because of a unique combination of factors. It is an unusual large leaf variety of the tea plant, called "Dayeh," and it enjoys special growing conditions found only in China's Yunnan mountains. Following a centuries old secret processing method the broad leaves are allowed to partially ferment, giving the tea its unique earthy flavor and deep, rich color.

The taste seems fitting for a tea prized for its medicinal properties. Modern medical science has recently shown that the health benefits of Pu-erh tea may be more than just folklore. Since 1970, scientific studies in China, France and Japan suggest that this tea may help reduce body weight and help reduce cholesterol in the blood stream.

Pu-erh also has a very long shelf life. In fact, it is believed that the older the tea, the better.
BACK TO TOP

I have chrysanthemums in my yard, I didn't know they were used for tea.

Chrysanthemum flowers, long used in traditional Chinese medicine, are recognized for their cooling and antibiotic properties. It is believed that chrysanthemum can help reduce high blood pressure as it dilates the coronary arteries and increases blood flow. Chrysanthemum is also touted as a remedy for persistent eye problems because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

When China introduced this relative of the daisy to Japan in 366 A.D., the mum was believed to possess healing powers. Its roots were used to cure headaches, the sprouts and petals were eaten in salads, and the leaves were brewed in tea. By the 12th century a 16 petal mum was officially adopted as the Japanese imperial crest, and every year Japan celebrates National Chrysanthemum Day. For the Yamamotoyama tea, the yellow petals of Chrysanthemum add a flowery note to Yunnan Pu-erh tea. Pu-erh is semi-fermented tea, prized since the sung dynasty for its medicinal properties.
BACK TO TOP

What is Genmai tea?

Genmai is an informal, convivial drink in Japan, shared at home with friends. This unique brew is made from green tea and brown rice. It has a light golden color in the cup and a light toasted nut like flavor and aroma. It's a satisfying drink, often consumed at breakfast. It is also visually interesting, as some of the rice has usually popped resembling popcorn.
BACK TO TOP

What is Kukicha?

Kukicha is "twig tea," made from the prunings of the tea plant. Kukicha is slowly roasted in iron pots to enhance its distinctive flavor. Very popular in Japan, Kukicha is appreciated for its rich nutty taste and dark brown color.
BACK TO TOP

Isn't oolong the tea that Chinese restaurants serve? What's the difference between oolong and green tea?

Oolong is the tea that is commonly found in Chinese restaurants. There are three types of tea: black, oolong and green, all from the camellia sinensis bush. The difference is in how the teas are processed. Black tea is fermented, oolong is semi-fermented and green tea is not fermented. Green and oolong tea are more popular in Asia whereas, black tea is more popular in the western world.

Oolong is considered one of the world's great teas. A favored drink in mainland China and Taiwan, Oolong tea originated in the Wuyi mountains of China's Fujian province. Oolong is semi-fermented, combining qualities of black and green teas. The Yamamotoyama China Oolong has a distinctive fruity taste and bright golden color.
BACK TO TOP

What is so special about Yamamotoyama Special Occasion Green Tea?

Centuries of tea blending experience go into the creation of this original blend of fine green teas, including Matcha, the powdered leaf tea used in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. This tea has a pale golden color in the cup and a delicate flavor with a hint of sweetness.
BACK TO TOP

I've seen several other jasmine teas on the market. What makes this one so special?

Yamamotoyama Jasmine scented green tea is actually scented with real jasmine buds (blossoms) versus an artificial jasmine fragrance. Jasmine is one of the most popular teas in China. Jasmine is picked in the heat of the day, when the tiny flowers are closed tight. The blossoms open in the cool of the evening, when they are blended with the tea leaves to create this fragrant refreshing beverage.
BACK TO TOP

Is there a story behind all the different teapots on the packaging?

Beautiful, authentic Chinese and Japanese teapots were selected and photographed as the primary element on each package.

The teapots on the packages of the Chinese teas are called Yixing (pronounced "e-shing") teapots which have an interesting history. These distinctive reddish stoneware teapots are renowned for their quaint charm and tea brewing qualities. Yixing, near Shanghai has a long history as the pottery capital of China. It was here during the Ming dynasty that the world's first teapots were created. First introduced to Europe in the late 17th century, Yixing teapots provided the models for the earliest European teapots.

Yixing teapots are made from a special "Zisha" clay. Each time tea is brewed, a small amount of tea is absorbed by the interior. These teapots are never washed with soap, they are just rinsed with cold water. It is believed that a mineral layer buildup inside the teapot is good for health and helps to prevent rust from forming inside.

The Yixing teapots are small so that tea will always be served fresh, hot and strong. These pots are lovely with a rustic elegance of form taken from nature, simple geometry or pure whimsy. The potters of Yixing have traditionally signed their works with their personal "chop marks" which reflect their pride and workmanship. It wasn't until the mid 1980's that the Yixing teapots were rediscovered by Chinese art collectors and tea connoisseurs outside of China.

The teapots on the packages of the Japanese teas are Tetsubin teapots made of cast iron. Tetsubin teapots were originally used for boiling water and were not ornate, as they were usually left on a hearth to provide warmth in cold weather. During the mid 19th century when infused tea drinking became popular in Japan, Tetsubin were no longer viewed as kitchen items, but as status symbols. Some of these Tetsubin were then elaborately decorated with designs and inlays of copper, gold and silver. Like the Chinese Yixing teapots, the Tetsubin should only be rinsed with water and wiped dry. The Japanese believe that the natural mineral layer buildup inside a Tetsubin teapot is good for health and it also helps to prevent rust from forming inside. The two prefectures best known for Tetsubin teapots are Iwate, and Yamagata.

Complementing the authentic Chinese Yixing red clay teapots and the Japanese Tetsubin teapots, each package has a unique verse of traditional Chinese poetry or Japanese Haiku.
BACK TO TOP

Yamamotoyama 1690...Teas of China and Japan

Don't miss the detailed information (including flavor descriptions) on this exciting line of teas!

Questions, comments, and suggestions are always welcome.
Please contact us