Nio Tea Podcast

In this episode, we take a look at green tea in Japan over the last 1,000 years

In this episode, we explain a few different cultivars of Japanese green tea

In this episode we test out a new tea which is a premium stem tea mixed with matcha

In this episode, we talk about the advantage of loose leaf teas over teabags

In this episode, we get down to the basics and talk about what makes a tea a green tea

In this episode, Oliver tastes the Kukicha Osada from Shizuoka

In this episode we learn how to prepare a bowl of matcha tea as well as hot and cold matcha lattes

In this episode, we test out the Gyokuro Karigane in a French press

In this episode, we talk about what stem teas are, how they were invented and why you might want to start drinking them!

How much caffeine is in green tea? That depends on the type!

In this episode, we talk about how certain teas like Gyokuro and Kabuse Sencha are shaded prior to the harvest

In this episode, we travel all over Japan to learn about a few different types of teapots and how to use thm

In this episode, we do a short overview of all the basic types of Japanese green tea

In this episode, we have an amazing talk with Christian about careers, happiness and spirituality! He also reveals the best teas he had discovered from the monthly tea club

In this episode we test out the deep steamed yutaka Midori Sencha from Mr. Kawaji in Kagoshima

In this episode, we put 4 different brewing vessels head to head to see which one produces the best cup of Gyokuro!

In this episode, we test out two Okumidori matchas with very different price tags

In this episode we taste the Marufuku matcha from Shizuoka

In this episode we taste a rare pan fired Japanese green tea from Mr. Issin in Takachiho

In this episode, we taste a roasted green tea from Shizuoka

In this episode, Oliver tastes the Bancha from Mr. Masuda in Shizuoka

In this episode, Oliver tastes an 8-cultivar blended Sencha from Mr. Henta in Kirishima

In this episode, Oliver tastes this incredible Shincha from Chiran

In this video, Oliver tastes an Asanoka cultivar Sencha from Mr. Henta in Kirishima

In this episode, Oliver tastes one of his favorite teas, the Okumidori Sencha from mr. Henta

In this episode, we drink some Gyokuro with Amy, a kundalini yoga teacher, healer and all around amazing woman to hear about what brought her to spirituality

In this episode, we go over the best solutions to making matcha when you don’t have a Chasen. Watch the full video on YouTube!

A lot of people ask us if they can grind their own matcha at home. The answer, is a bit complicated so we decided to make an episode about it!

In this episode we taste the Gyokuro Cha Meijin from Mr. Sakamoto!

In this episode, Oliver tastes a Saemidori Sencha from Mr. Henta in Kirishima

In this episode we taste the third and final Sencha from Mr. Kawaji

In this episode, Oliver does a tasting of the roasted stem tea from Mr. Issin

In this episode, Oliver tastes the golden sencha from mr. Kawaji

This is the audio from our latest documentary about roasted teas on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Oj8Kc_OUh6o

In this episode, we taste another one of our new teas, the Nohana Sencha from chiran

In this episode, we taste a new one of our teas, the cold brew Shizuku Sencha from Chiran!

In this episode, we taste an unshaded stem tea from the mountains of Shizuoka

In this episode, we taste a more citrusy Sencha from the organic village of Isagawa

In this episode we taste the third and final Hojicha in our assortment

In this episode, we launch the audio of our new Gyokuro Documentary on YouTube! Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/04kR_ksGfHA

In this episode we do a tasting of the sweet roasted green tea, Noike Hojicha

In this episode, we do a tasting of the Kamairicha, a pan fired green tea from the Miyazaki prefecture

Sencha is the most popular type of tea in Japan, and it’s time you learn about it! If you want to watch the video version, please checkout our YouTube channel NioTeas TV!

In this episode, we taste the Bancha Masudaen, a perfect tea to pair with afternoon snacks!

In this episode of tea talks, we sit down with live T.V host Chad Nifoussi and talk about his journey into tea

In this episode, I am pleasantly surprised by the Nuruki shincha, an incredible deep steamed Shincha from Chiran

In this episode, we taste the famous deep steamed tea from Shizuoka

In this episode, we taste a deep steamed tea from Kagoshima

In this episode, we talk music, high tea and travel with musician Fernando Ufret

In this episode, we talk to a personal trainer about her morning matcha routine

In this episode, we do a tasting of the third single cultivar Sencha, the deep steamed Saemidori Sencha from Kirishima

We continue our mega sampler series with a walkthrough of the single cultivar Asanoka Sencha

In this episode, we begin our walkthrough of the single cultivar Senchas from Kirishima with the Henta Okumidori Sencha

In this episode, we move into Sencha, the most common type of tea in Japan

In this episode, we take a look at the most premium Gyokuro we offer from Mr. Sakamoto, the Gyokuro Cha Meijin

In this episode, we go through another delicious stem tea from Me. Sakamoto, the Gyokuro Kukicha

In this episode, we taste the Karigane, a high quality stem tea from Mr. Sakamoto

In this episode, we do a tasting of the Gyokuro Sasa Hime, a blend of 3 different green tea varieties

In this episode, we start walking through the mega green tea sampler starting with the very popular Cha Musume!

In this episode, we compare a Gyokuro brewed at 175 (a common temperature for green tea) versus one brewed at the ideal 140 degrees F

In this episode, we take a look at raw, unfinished green tea

In this episode, we share the 5 best teashops we’ve found during our travels in Tokyo!

In this episode, we talk about a high caffeine tea you can drink in the morning to get your day started out right!

In this episode, we talk about 2 teas that can be great to drink after an exhausting day

In this episode we talk about the Henta Sencha, a blend of 8 different tea varieties

In this episode, we explain the Asatsuyu cultivar and why it works so well in a deep steamed tea

In this episode we test how Hojicha tastes as a cold brew

In this episode, we talk about one of our most popular teas, the Gyokuro Cha Musume

In this episode, we explain the famous roasted green tea from Japan

In this episode, we talk about the type of tea most consumed in Japan

In this episode, we explain why some people may not have a good first impression of Gyokuro

In this episode, we explain the basics of what to search for if you want high quality matcha at a reasonable price

In this episode we explain what Kamairicha is, how it’s made and what it tastes like

In this episode we try out the Japanese method of ice brewing or “Kooridashi”

In this video, we try the Yakushima Sencha as a cold brew to see how the taste changes

In this episode, we get into the basics of how to brew Japanese green tea. You can find the whole course on Udemy here: https://www.udemy.com/share/1033mOAEITc11TRnUB/

In this episode, we narrow the focus of our tea course to the specifics of Japanese green tea and what makes them unique. Get the whole tea course for free here: https://www.udemy.com/share/1033mOAEITc11TRnUB/

In this episode of the tea course, we explain why it is important to consume tea in the loose leaf form rather than in a teabag. Watch the full course on Udemy: https://www.udemy.com/share/1033mOAEITc11TRnUB/

This is a lecture from our free beginners tea course on Udemy! To see more lectures, quizzes and helpful PDFs you can head over to Udemy https://www.udemy.com/share/1033mOAEITc11TRnUB/

In this episode, we will be starting our beginners guide to Japanese green tea. You can find our full free online course on Udemy: https://www.udemy.com/share/1033mOAEITc11TRnUB/

Join us on a 1 hour long tour through tea fields, temples and cities to learn the secrets of Japanese tea history and production! Also available on YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=IR9L13-q0-g

In this episode we explain why the second steeping of a Fukamushi Sencha has such an intense green color

Does using more leaves make better tea? In this episode, we compare 10 grams of tea leaves to 5 grams of tea leaves and see which tastes better!

In this episode, we do a deep dive into the shading of Japanese green tea, how it started and why it is important in creating a sweeter tasting tea.

In this video, we show how if a tea is stored well, it can actually improve with age!

In this episode, we taste a blended Gyokuro made from three different cultivars, Yabukita, Okumidori and Saemidori

In this episode, we talk about how you can find a low caffeine green tea to enjoy in the evening

In this episode, we compare 2 teas from mr. Sakamoto. One contains stems and the other only has leaves

In this episode, we compare two different stem teas from different regions

In this episode, we explain what Gyokuro is and why it is so prized

In this episode, we explore one of our newest green teas, the Murasaki Sencha, a deep steamed green tea from Kagoshima

In this episode, we talk about the importance of filtering the water you use for tea brewing

In this episode, we see how many different cups you can get out of one pot of Gyokuro

In this episode, we do a tasting of a single cultivar Gyokuro!

In this episode, we explore deep steamed teas and see what benefits they provide

In this episode we talk about the strong sweet flavor of a Gyokuro

In this episode, we compare two different tea varieties and see which is better for each occasion

In this episode, we explore the most popular type of tea in Japan!

In this episode, we talk about our most popular Gyokuro!

In this episode we talk about how to prepare a deep steamed green tea

In this episode, we compare two different tea plants and see how the taste differs

In this episode, we talk about one of our newest teas, the Kasugaen Sencha Fukamushi

What’s the second most popular tea in Japan?

In this episode, we explain why Shincha is so popular

What’s the difference between black tea and green tea?

Do you notice a grassy flavor in your Japanese green tea?

Do you find that your teapot always clogs when you’re pouring? Try this trick!

In this episode, we talk about why people think that healthy teas have to taste bad

What is conventional tea shading?

In this episode, we cover one of my favorite Japanese green teas

In this episode, we discuss the many benefits of matcha green tea

In this episode we explore the use of filters for green tea

In this episode we compare a special thick matcha with a normal drinking matcha

In this episode, we taste a high quality unshaded Sencha from Shizuoka

In this episode we teach you the basics about matcha!

In this episode we compare our two most popular Fukamushi Senchas

In this episode, we talk about our newest green tea, the Murasaki Sencha

Does matcha change flavor when you let it sit? In this episode, we get to the bottom of this mystery

Some common mistakes you might make as a tea beginner

What’s the difference between these two stem teas?

In this video, we talk about how you can create a more multilayered taste in your tea

In this episode we walk you through the basics of brewing Japanese green tea

In this episode, we talk about a tea that is high in theanine but not in caffeine

In this episode, we talk about how Genmaicha can be a good tea for coffee lovers

In this episode we taste a Genmaicha from a teabag

In this episode, we talk about the perfect quantity of tea for your teapot

In this video, we discuss the ideal second steeping

In this episode, we compare two different temperatures for matcha and see which one works better

In this video, we’re going to be talking about the tea that has the highest iron content and how to get the most out of it

Have you ever put lemon in green tea?

Which brews better tea? A small kyusu or a large one?

In this episode, Oliver makes a bold move drinking a high caffeine green tea right before bed. How will he pull it off?

Have you ever heard of Kamairicha before? This unique pan-fires tea is the newest addition to the Nio collection and it’s already incredibly popular!

In this episode, we test out some new matchas and teach you what to look for

In this episode, we taste test two new teas from Kagoshima and compare them

In this episode, we talk about roasted rice tea!

In this episode we discuss a few of the many benefits of Gyokuro

In this video we taste the Asanoka Sencha from Mr. Henta

In this episode we talk about green teas from Shizuoka and what they have in common

In this episode, we talk about a great tea to have after an evening workout!

In this episode, we explain the color difference between teabags and loose leaf tea

Does using more tea leaves produce a better flavor?

In this video, we see what happens to the flavor of a tea when you step it for a longer time

In this episode we talk about the so-called emperor’s tea

In this episode, we talk about the single cultivar Saemidori Sencha from Mr. Henta, a tea very strong in this sweet umami flavor

In this episode, we talk about why we like the Okumidori Sencha from Mr. Henta

In this episode we test a new fukamushicha from a farmer in Kagoshima!

In this episode we talk about one of our more recent teas, the sencha Isagawa

In this episode we test some new matchas from the farmer!

In this episode we compare the taste and color of the Nuruki Shincha and the Fukamushicha Yamaga

Reviewing the Kukicha tea from Mr. Sakamoto

In this episode we talk about the Karigane, a very highly quality stem tea in our stem tea sampler

In this episode, we talk about the next tea in our stem tea sampler, the Kukicha from the island of Yakushima!

In this episode, we talk about one of the teas in our stem tea sampler!

In this episode, we show you another way that you can make green tea in a French Press. With this method, you don’t have to crush the tea leaves or oversteep the tea.

In this episode we talk about a new deep steamed Shincha from southern Japan!

In this episode, we tell the story about Mr. Sakamoto’s Organic Gyokuro plantation!

In this episode, we tell the story of our first farm visit at Henta Seicha in Kirishima, Japan

In this episode, I tell the story of our visit to Sakurai Tea Salon in Tokyo

In this episode, we have a dentist explain why tea stains teeth and what you can do to prevent it.

In this episode we cover the next stem tea in our stem tea sampler!

In this episode we drink another stem tea from our stem tea sampler, the Kukicha from the island of Yakushima!

Why do we use different brewing times for Sencha and Gyokuro? Let’s find out!

In this episode, we compare tea brewed in a traditional Kyusu teapot with tea brewed in a teabag

In this episode we taste our newest addition to the Nio family, the Marufuku Matcha. This is a blend of the Saemidori and Okumidori cultivars, which creates a tea that is both sweet and creamy!

Are you still using teabags? In this episode, we cover 6 reasons why you may want to switch to loose leaf tea!

In this video, we show you how to pick out a good quality matcha.

In this episode we talk about how to make your tea taste creamier.

Don’t have a teapot at home? In this episode, we take a look at how a French press can be the next best thing!

In this episode, we learn about how farmers are able to use every part of the tea plants they grow.

In this video, we explain what Fukamushicha is and how it is made!

What is Genmaicha? Find out in this short episode!

In the last episode, we talked about steeping time. In this video, we will discuss another main factor when it comes to preparing green tea and that is the temperature of the water.

How long should you steep green tea? What happens when you steep it too long? Find out here!

What happens when you steep tea too long?

In this video we show you how you can change brewing time and temperature to prepare a sweeter tea!

In this video we taste one of our newer Sencha teas, the Hagiricha Mafuji from Shizuoka. This tea was produced by a collection of farmers who teamed up to produce a high grade Sencha. This is a milder, drier tea with a slight sweetness to it that more experienced tea drinkers should really enjoy.

In this video, we compare a cheaper version of our Gyokuro that offers a lot of value for your money

In this episode, we compare a premium Saemidori matcha with a more typical Yabukita matcha

In this episode we do a tasting of a new Kukicha from the Asanoka cultivar

In this video we give you a tutorial of how to make Mizudashi or Japanese cold brew green tea!

Which tastes better, hot Karigane tea or cold Karigane tea?

Koicha matcha is a special type of matcha paste used for the tea ceremony. Find out more about it in this episode!

In this episode we tackle the myth that teabags are cheaper than loose leaf tea!

Excited to unveil our biggest project yet! This one hour documentary takes you through various regions in Japan to meet the men and women who produce some of the worlds best tea. Now available on YouTube as well!

Karigane is very similar to Gyokuro except that it includes stems. Here we compare the taste of these two shaded teas from Kagoshima.

In this episode, we compare our 3 different Kukicha teas. One is from Yakushima, one from Kagoshima and one from Shizuoka

In this episode, we show you a great recipe to make a cold matcha cocktail at home!

In this episode, we compare our most popular matcha (the Washimine) with our newest matcha (the Henta)

A tasting of our newest organic matcha from Mr. Henta

What’s the best teabag for travelers?

In this episode we show 2 different methods you can use to eat tea leaves after you brew your organic green tea!

These two teas might seem very different, but when it comes to what goes into making them, they are really quite similar!

In this episode, we talk about Mochi, one of the most commonly served desserts in the tea ceremony!

In this episode, we compare a shaded Kukicha with an unshaded Kukicha to see how the flavor changes.

In this episode, we compare the same tea in 2 different glasses to see if different teacups produce different flavors.

In this episode, we review a beautiful herbal infusion called Guayusa. This is a tea coming from the Ecuadorian rainforest and it is really delicious!

Today we are tasting a tea that doesn’t get much attention and that is the Japanese Oolong. Normally people talk about either Chinese Oolongs or Japanese Green Tea but rarely do they talk about Japanese Oolong. This one we found from Issin-en is really delicious!

You may know Mr. Sakamoto as our legendary Gyokuro farmer but did you know he also produces matcha? Let’s give it a try!

In this episode, we try a new Gyokuro from Mr. Sakamoto that has a much lower price tag. The Gyokuro Matsu is a fantastic value tea that delivers a powerful sweet umami flavor in the first steeping.

In this episode we drink a Bancha from a farm in Shizuoka and compare it with a standard supermarket Bancha. There is a lot more complexity to this one from Shizuoka!

The Cha Musume is our most popular Gyokuro, but it is not the highest quality Gyokuro we sell. To see the difference between the two Gyokuro I wanted to do a side by side comparison of these two amazing teas.

In this episode, I do the unthinkable and drink tea out of a tea bag! I talk about why many tea lovers prefer loose leaf tea and how you can make the switch.

In this episode, we compare two of our matchas, the matcha Washimine, a smooth and creamy Okumidori matcha, with a strong and vegetal Yabukita matcha like the Matcha Sesui

In this episode, we will be doing a tasting of one of my all time favorite green teas! The Gyokuro Cha Musume is the most popular tea on our site and it has a very nice umami sweetness to it. It is difficult to grow high quality organic Gyokuro, but our farmer Mr. Sakamoto has found a way to produce some amazing quality teas without the use of conventional pesticides.

In this episode, we will be Tasting a very unique Japanese green tea. Instead of being steamed like most Japanese green teas, this one is pan fired and that really makes a big difference in the taste!

In this episode, we taste a Genmaicha and learn a little bit more about one of Japan’s most popular teas!

In this episode, we’re going to be talking about matcha. Our Matcha Washimine and Matcha Sesui both come from Mr. Nakai in Wazuka, right outside of Kyoto. The Nakai family was one of the first in Japan to switch to Organic tea. Mr. Nakai’s father was one of the creators of the JAS logo on every packet of organic Japanese tea!

In this episode, we head back into the field to visit the farmers at Satoen. We start off by touring the factory and then we stop by their brand new matcha cafe and even get a tour of their organic tea fields!

In this episode, we teach you how to properly store your matcha. This is extremely important because if you store your matcha incorrectly, it will totally diminish the flavor in a very short period of time. With proper matcha storage, your tea should stay fresh for months!

In this episode, we learn how the same tea plant is used to make 2 very different green teas. The Bancha and Gyokuro almost couldn’t be more different. Gyokuro is from the first harvest, Bancha is from the second or third. Gyokuro is shaded, Bancha is unshaded. The top leaves are picked to make Gyokuro, the bottom leaves are picked to make Bancha. This of course results in two very different tasting teas!

In this episode we talk about my first trip to Fuji Matcha and my first trip to Shizuoka. It was an amazing trip that I won’t soon forget. I learned so much about tea, got to see some amazing views of the Japanese countryside and I got to meet two amazing farmers that walked me through the entire matcha production process.