JAPANESE AFTERNOON
BLEND
RED (BLACK) TEA
★ PESTICIDE-FREE
Japan
Japanese Afternoon is a blended tea composed of selected Japanese teas from Japan, designed to offer a balanced and refined daytime profile. It is produced through careful selection and blending of different tea styles to achieve harmony between freshness, sweetness, and structure. The infusion is smooth and clean, offering gentle vegetal notes, soft umami, and a light, refreshing finish suitable for afternoon drinking. MORE
AROMA
...
TASTE
....
HARVEST: Spring, 2025
RED (BLACK) TEA
★ PESTICIDE-FREE
Japan
Japanese Afternoon is a blended tea composed of selected Japanese teas from Japan, designed to offer a balanced and refined daytime profile. It is produced through careful selection and blending of different tea styles to achieve harmony between freshness, sweetness, and structure. The infusion is smooth and clean, offering gentle vegetal notes, soft umami, and a light, refreshing finish suitable for afternoon drinking. MORE
AROMA
...
TASTE
....
HARVEST: Spring, 2025
RED (BLACK) TEA is one of the most widely consumed and appreciated tea categories in the world. Due to its high level of oxidation and carefully controlled production process, this type of tea develops a rich concentration of aromatic compounds while preserving valuable polyphenols, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants that contribute to both its distinctive flavor and beneficial properties.
During oxidation, the chemical composition of the tea leaf changes significantly, creating the characteristic amber to deep red infusion, smooth texture, and complex aromatic profile associated with red (black) tea. It is believed that regular consumption of red tea may support cardiovascular health, improve blood circulation, contribute to the body's natural antioxidant protection, and promote mental alertness and concentration. Traditionally, red tea has also been appreciated for its warming qualities, its ability to support digestion, reduce fatigue, improve overall vitality, and provide a comforting sense of balance and well-being, especially during colder seasons.
During oxidation, the chemical composition of the tea leaf changes significantly, creating the characteristic amber to deep red infusion, smooth texture, and complex aromatic profile associated with red (black) tea. It is believed that regular consumption of red tea may support cardiovascular health, improve blood circulation, contribute to the body's natural antioxidant protection, and promote mental alertness and concentration. Traditionally, red tea has also been appreciated for its warming qualities, its ability to support digestion, reduce fatigue, improve overall vitality, and provide a comforting sense of balance and well-being, especially during colder seasons.
Learn more about the BIOCHEMISTRY OF A TEA LEAF
SEED-GROWN TEA PLANT
This tea refers to a Qunzi Zhong, a "seed-grown tea plant". Unlike cloned or asexually propagated cultivars, which are created by cuttings or grafting from a single "mother" plant, Qunzi Zhong tea trees are grown from seeds. This results in a genetically diverse population of plants. Each seed-grown tea tree is unique, with slightly different characteristics. This genetic variety helps improve the resilience of the tea garden, making it more resistant to pests, diseases, and environmental stress. Seed-grown trees usually develop stronger and deeper roots than cloned plants, allowing them to draw nutrients and minerals from deeper soil layers, often giving the tea a more complex and rich flavor profile. Qunzi Zhong represents the traditional way of tea cultivation. Because of the genetic diversity, teas made from Qunzi Zhong plants tend to offer more layered and nuanced flavors, reflecting a richer expression of the local terroir (soil, climate, and environment).
PESTICIDE-FREE GARDENING
Pesticide-free gardening refers to a cultivation method in which no synthetic chemical pesticides are used at any stage of plant growth. Instead, this approach relies on biodiversity, ecological balance, and cultural practices to manage pests and diseases. Unlike conventional farming, which often depends on chemical intervention to control infestations, pesticide-free gardening emphasizes prevention through healthy soil, companion planting, and natural predators. This method fosters a more resilient and adaptive garden ecosystem. Without chemical inputs, beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and native bees thrive, contributing to pollination and pest control. Untouched by harsh agents, the soil remains alive with microbial activity, supporting deeper root systems and more vigorous plant development. Over time, this results in produce with purer, more expressive flavors, reflecting the health of the environment and the grower's intention.
Learn more about Pesticide-Free Gardening
EASTERN (SENCHA DO) ★
Temperature: 90-95 °C
Amount: 3-5 grams per 120 ml of water
Steeping: 10-30 sec x 5WESTERN (INFUSION)
Temperature: 95 °C
Amount: 2-3 grams per 250 ml of water
Steeping: 1-2 min x 3
Learn more about TEA BREWING METHODS
Tea absorbs surrounding aromas and moisture. This type of tea oxidizes when it comes into contact with oxygen and loses its properties, including taste and aroma. Store it in a dry and cool place in airtight packaging. Avoid direct exposure to the sun and high temperatures.
BEST BEFORE: 2 years since production date!
*Suitable for long-term aging. Under proper storage conditions, the tea may gradually develop increased depth, smoothness, and complexity.
BEST BEFORE: 2 years since production date!
*Suitable for long-term aging. Under proper storage conditions, the tea may gradually develop increased depth, smoothness, and complexity.
Learn more ABOUT TEA STORAGE
ABOUT
Japanese Breakfast is a blended tea composed of selected teas from Japan, created to represent a balanced and approachable expression of Japanese tea for daily use. The blend reflects the diversity of Japanese production, where different regions and processing styles contribute distinct characteristics that can be integrated into a cohesive profile. The focus is on achieving clarity, smoothness, and consistency while maintaining a connection to traditional tea culture.
The component teas are produced using classical Japanese processing methods, primarily involving steaming, rolling, and drying, which preserve the natural freshness and vegetal character of the leaf. Through careful selection and blending, these elements are combined to balance structure, sweetness, and aromatic clarity. The result is a tea that maintains the recognizable identity of Japanese green tea while offering a stable and accessible profile.
Japanese Breakfast is designed to perform well in everyday preparation, particularly in Western-style brewing with longer infusions, while also remaining suitable for more attentive brewing methods. Its clean and balanced character makes it appropriate for regular consumption, providing a consistent and refreshing experience appreciated by both newcomers and experienced tea lovers.
ABOUT
Japanese Afternoon is a blended tea composed of selected teas from Japan, created to offer a balanced and refined profile suitable for daytime drinking. The blend reflects the diversity of Japanese tea production, integrating different styles and processing approaches into a cohesive and consistent expression. It is designed to provide clarity, smoothness, and a controlled aromatic profile without excessive intensity.
The component teas are produced using traditional Japanese methods, typically involving steaming, rolling, and drying, with variations depending on the specific tea style included in the blend. Through careful selection and blending, these elements are combined to achieve a balance between freshness, sweetness, and structure. The process focuses on maintaining a stable and harmonious profile while preserving the characteristic qualities of Japanese tea.
Japanese Afternoon is intended as a versatile tea, suitable for relaxed daily consumption as well as more attentive preparation. Its balanced composition allows it to perform well across different brewing approaches, offering a clean and approachable cup that reflects the precision and refinement associated with Japanese tea craftsmanship.
TERROIR
Japanese Afternoon is composed of teas sourced from key tea-growing regions of Japan, including areas such as Shizuoka, Kagoshima, and Uji. These regions are characterized by a humid temperate climate with abundant rainfall, high humidity, and moderate seasonal variation, creating stable conditions for tea cultivation. The combination of coastal influence and mountainous terrain supports steady leaf development with a balanced chemical composition.
The soils across these regions are generally well-drained and rich in minerals, supporting healthy plant growth and consistent yield. Differences in altitude, sunlight exposure, and cultivation practices contribute to a range of raw material characteristics, from fresh and vegetal to more structured and umami-rich profiles. The use of shading techniques in some areas further enhances amino acid content, contributing to sweetness and depth.
The integration of these terroirs within the blend results in a balanced expression where freshness, softness, and structure are harmonized. The environmental diversity supports a clean and well-defined profile, allowing the tea to maintain clarity and stability while reflecting the broader identity of Japanese tea production.
Japanese Breakfast is a blended tea composed of selected teas from Japan, created to represent a balanced and approachable expression of Japanese tea for daily use. The blend reflects the diversity of Japanese production, where different regions and processing styles contribute distinct characteristics that can be integrated into a cohesive profile. The focus is on achieving clarity, smoothness, and consistency while maintaining a connection to traditional tea culture.
The component teas are produced using classical Japanese processing methods, primarily involving steaming, rolling, and drying, which preserve the natural freshness and vegetal character of the leaf. Through careful selection and blending, these elements are combined to balance structure, sweetness, and aromatic clarity. The result is a tea that maintains the recognizable identity of Japanese green tea while offering a stable and accessible profile.
Japanese Breakfast is designed to perform well in everyday preparation, particularly in Western-style brewing with longer infusions, while also remaining suitable for more attentive brewing methods. Its clean and balanced character makes it appropriate for regular consumption, providing a consistent and refreshing experience appreciated by both newcomers and experienced tea lovers.
ABOUT
Japanese Afternoon is a blended tea composed of selected teas from Japan, created to offer a balanced and refined profile suitable for daytime drinking. The blend reflects the diversity of Japanese tea production, integrating different styles and processing approaches into a cohesive and consistent expression. It is designed to provide clarity, smoothness, and a controlled aromatic profile without excessive intensity.
The component teas are produced using traditional Japanese methods, typically involving steaming, rolling, and drying, with variations depending on the specific tea style included in the blend. Through careful selection and blending, these elements are combined to achieve a balance between freshness, sweetness, and structure. The process focuses on maintaining a stable and harmonious profile while preserving the characteristic qualities of Japanese tea.
Japanese Afternoon is intended as a versatile tea, suitable for relaxed daily consumption as well as more attentive preparation. Its balanced composition allows it to perform well across different brewing approaches, offering a clean and approachable cup that reflects the precision and refinement associated with Japanese tea craftsmanship.
TERROIR
Japanese Afternoon is composed of teas sourced from key tea-growing regions of Japan, including areas such as Shizuoka, Kagoshima, and Uji. These regions are characterized by a humid temperate climate with abundant rainfall, high humidity, and moderate seasonal variation, creating stable conditions for tea cultivation. The combination of coastal influence and mountainous terrain supports steady leaf development with a balanced chemical composition.
The soils across these regions are generally well-drained and rich in minerals, supporting healthy plant growth and consistent yield. Differences in altitude, sunlight exposure, and cultivation practices contribute to a range of raw material characteristics, from fresh and vegetal to more structured and umami-rich profiles. The use of shading techniques in some areas further enhances amino acid content, contributing to sweetness and depth.
The integration of these terroirs within the blend results in a balanced expression where freshness, softness, and structure are harmonized. The environmental diversity supports a clean and well-defined profile, allowing the tea to maintain clarity and stability while reflecting the broader identity of Japanese tea production.
RED (BLACK) TEA
Explore more Red (Black) Teas from the AN SHIM TEA Collection.