Green tea
Tea originated from China over 5,000 years ago and was brought back to Japan by a priest around 805-806. It was enjoyed only by the religious and rich communities and was even used as a currency. In the 12th Century a Buddhist monk named Eisai introduced the drink to the wider community and by the 16th Century it was wide-spread throughout Japan.

Green tea was the original tea with other teas coming much later.  The Sencha (unfermented green tea), Matcha (from shade-grown leaves) and Bancha tea (made from seasoned, older leaves) were all developed in Japan. [Read more...]