Shading Japanese Tea
Cultivation - Shading
Covered cultivation is a farming method unique to Japanese tea farming. By shading tea gardens with black sheets or natural straw, farmers produce teas with a rich umami profile, such as Matcha, Gyokuro, and certain types of sencha (Kabusecha).
Originating over 400 years ago in Kyoto, this method was first used to protect spring buds from frost. It quickly became clear that shading also deepened the color and flavor of the tea. Over time, covered cultivation evolved into a technique for producing high-quality tea.
In the past, straw and reed screens (yoshizu) were used for shading. Although some tea gardens still use straw and reed screens for covered cultivation, it is now more common to use sheets called kanreisha, which are easier to manage.
Reasons for Shaded Cultivation
Umami Flavor
Shading suppresses the conversion of theanine into bitter catechins, allowing deep umami to form.
Emerald Color
To adapt to low light environments, leaves become thinner and broader and increase chlorophyll production to enhance photosynthesis efficiency.
Frost Protection
Overhead shading (Honzu and Tanagake) act as a thermal barrier for young buds during cold spring mornings.
Leaf Tenderness
Slows the growth cycle, preventing the leaves from hardening.
Three Shading Methods
Jikagake
A method of direct shading where synthetic black tarps are placed directly on top of the tea plants. This is a versatile and cost-effective method used widely across Japan, especially in hilly terrains where framework structures are difficult to build.
Tanagake
A method of indirect shading where synethetic black tarps are placed on a shelf or tana. Tanagake prevents physical contact between the cloth and the buds, allowing for better air circulation and a cooler growth environment.
Honzu
Honzu is a method of indirect shading where reeds or straws are placed on top of a tana. This is the traditional way of shading. It provides the most natural, diffused light. While extremely expensive and labor-intensive, it produces the world's most refined tea.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Jikagake | Tanagake | Honzu |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Circulation | Poor/Moderate | Great | Excellent |
| Light Control | Strong Blocking | Precise Light Control | Diffused Light Only |
| Temperature | Hot on Sunny Days Blocking | Cooler | Coolest |
| Frost Protection | No Effect | Some Protection | Some Protection |
| Shading Length | As Needed | Longer | Longest |
| Best Field Type | Hilly Fields | Flat Fields | Flat Fields (Best) |
| Labor and Cost | Low | Moderate | Extremely High |
| Overall Grade | Good | Better | Best |
