Turkish tea introduced to Japanese tea masters

Image credit: Black Sea Exporters Association (DKIB)

The cultural heritage and unique taste of Turkish tea has been introduced to tea masters in Japan by the Eastern Black Sea Exporters Association (DKIB).

The Association organised the three-day event (11-13 December) as part of the Turquality Promotion Project, under the coordination of the Ministry of Trade.

On the first day, 30 Japanese tea masters successfully completed the full-day training programme called ‘How to Be the Master of Turkish Tea’ and were entitled to receive certificates.

Within the scope of the programme, traditional brewing techniques of Turkish tea with a double teapot, aesthetic details of presentation in a thin-waisted glass, the 100-year historical and cultural journey of Turkish tea, and natural and drug-free tea cultivation in the Black Sea Region were discussed.

While this special training was carried out under the guidance of three experienced Turkish tea masters, Japanese participants had the opportunity to discover Turkish tea as a culture of life. At the end of the training, the participants undertook an important responsibility as ambassadors who will represent Turkish tea and keep its tradition alive.

The second day of the event series saw the ‘Masters’ Duel: The Art of Turkish Tea Brewing’ competition, bringing together Turkish and Japanese tea masters. In this event, masters competed to showcase the art of brewing Turkish tea in the most accurate and impressive way.

In addition to technical criteria such as water temperature, tea-water ratio and correct brewing time, participants’ were also evaluated on cultural presentation skills using traditional Turkish treats such as presentation with thin-waisted glasses, baklava and Turkish delight.

The third day involved the public tasting event ‘A Taste of Turkey: Experience the Warmth of Turkish Tea Culture.’ This was held at the Royal Garden Cafe Toyama in Tokyo. During the event, nearly 1000 cups of tea were served.

Reported from the Daily Sabah, Shaban Turgut, vice chairman of DKIB and head of the Tea Sector Committee, commented: “Our mission at DKIB is to introduce our regional products to the global market, and this event was a significant step toward achieving that goal.

“Through this programme, we introduced Turkish tea culture and brewing methods, and the interest we received from the Japanese was overwhelming. We are confident that this will increase Turkish tea exports to Japan.”

Related content

Leave a reply

Tea & Coffee Trade Journal