A Taste of Spring: Savoring the Essence of Sakura in Your Tea
Hello everyone, I'm Keko, one of the online staff members.
As spring arrives, don’t you find yourself drawn to the delicate scent of sakura (cherry blossoms)? In Japan, sakura is not only admired for its beauty but also enjoyed in various foods and drinks. While sakura tea exists, did you know you can create your own sakura-flavored sencha (Japanese green tea) using salted sakura leaves?
This simple yet elegant tea brings a hint of floral aroma and a touch of umami to your daily tea time. Let’s explore how to make this delightful spring-inspired brew! 🌸🍵
How to Make Sakura-Flavored Sencha
🌿 Ingredients (Serves 1)
2g (about 1 tsp) of sencha (Japanese green tea)
1 salted sakura leaf
150ml (5 oz) of water at 70°C (158°F)
🌸 Instructions
1）Prepare the sakura leaf
・Lightly rinse the salted sakura leaf under cold water.
・Soak it in a bowl of water for about 5 minutes to remove excess salt. (If you prefer a slightly salty flavor, shorten the soaking time.)
2）Combine with tea leaves
・Pat the leaf dry and finely chop it.
・Add the chopped sakura leaf and sencha tea leaves to a teapot or kyusu (Japanese teapot).
3）Brew gently
・Pour 70°C (158°F) water over the leaves.
・Let it steep for about 1.5 minutes.
4）Enjoy the aroma and taste
Pour into a teacup and savor the soft floral notes with the natural umami of sencha.
🌟 Tips for the best experience:
・If you prefer a stronger sakura aroma, soak the leaf longer to remove more salt.
・For a sweeter balance, pair it with Japanese sweets like sakura mochi or yōkan (sweet bean jelly).
・Add an edible sakura blossom on top for a beautiful finishing touch.
Best Ways to Enjoy Sakura-Flavored Sencha
🌸 Perfect for Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing)
Bring this tea in a thermos and enjoy it under the cherry blossoms! The combination of tea and the natural scent of real sakura creates a truly immersive spring experience.
🍡 Pair with Seasonal Japanese Sweets
Sakura-flavored tea complements traditional spring treats like sakura mochi (sweet rice cake with red bean filling wrapped in a sakura leaf) and yōkan (sweet bean jelly). The subtle saltiness of the tea enhances the sweetness of the desserts.
🍵 A Moment of Relaxation at Home
Enjoy a quiet spring afternoon with a warm cup of sakura sencha. The delicate floral scent and smooth green tea flavors provide a perfect moment of tranquility.
Welcome Spring with a Cup of Sakura-Inspired Tea
Japanese tea is deeply connected to the changing seasons, and with a little creativity, you can bring the essence of spring into your cup. This sakura-flavored sencha is a simple way to celebrate the beauty of cherry blossoms and enjoy a unique, refreshing twist on traditional green tea.
Try it for yourself and let the fragrance of sakura brighten your day! 🌸🍵