What is the 88th day? The secret of the season when new tea is delicious
"Summer is approaching on the 88th night of the tea season~♪"...When it comes to tea picking season, some people may remember this "Tea Picking" song.
Do you know the meaning of "the 88th night" that appears in this song?
The 88th night is one of the "miscellaneous festivals" unique to Japan that indicate the change of seasons, and refers to the 88th day counting from the beginning of spring (around February 4th). It usually falls around May 2nd every year.
The lyrics come from the fact that this is the time of year when new tea and first tea leaves are picked.
Tea is harvested three or four times a year, with the first tea made from the new leaves picked that year being called Ichibancha, the second tea made from the new leaves picked during the second harvest being called Nibancha, and the third tea being called Sanbancha.
There has long been a saying that "drinking tea picked on the 88th day after the flower's birth will ensure a long life," and it is considered to be auspicious. However, this saying is not merely a superstition; it also has scientific basis.
Tea leaves are packed with ingredients that are beneficial to our bodies, including catechins, caffeine, amino acids (such as theanine), and vitamins.
These components are produced most abundantly at a certain point during the tea leaves' growth process, which is commonly known as the "88th day."
After the 88th day, these components begin to gradually decrease, so it can be said that First Crop Tea contains the most concentrated nutrients of the year.
Catechin has a strong antioxidant effect and helps prevent lifestyle-related diseases. Caffeine helps relieve fatigue and improves concentration. And theanine has a relaxing effect and helps reduce stress.
Although people in the past were not able to scientifically analyze these ingredients, they likely sensed from years of experience that the 88th night tea was particularly good for the body.
The wisdom that our ancestors treasured is backed up by modern science.
At Yamamotoyama, the new tea for the year begins arriving in early May every year.
Please give this new tea a try, as it is said to be packed with nutrients and to promote longevity.
