について Afternoon Tea (Lemon)
Kirin Afternoon Tea lemon — popular bottled tea
How to Make Afternoon Tea (Lemon) (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Afternoon Tea (Lemon), or レモンアフタヌーンティー (Remon Afutanūn Tī), is a refreshing and elegant beverage enjoyed across Japan, especially during the spring and summer seasons. While the concept of afternoon tea originated from British influences in the Meiji era, it has been beautifully adapted in Japan, focusing on delicate presentation, seasonal ingredients, and the pursuit of umami and harmony. Lemon-infused tea is a popular choice in Japanese tea salons, offering a light, zesty flavor that pairs well with wagashi (Japanese confections) and light snacks. This healthy version of Japanese Lemon Afternoon Tea is crafted with premium sencha (煎茶), fresh yuzu or lemon slices, and subtle sweeteners such as kurozato (黒砂糖, Okinawan black sugar), providing a gentle balance of tartness and natural sweetness. The beverage is vegan and vegetarian-friendly, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences. Served in delicate porcelain cups, this tea is a symbol of Japanese omotenashi (hospitality) and is perfect for a relaxing afternoon break. Enjoying this tea promotes mindfulness and appreciation of seasonal flavors, reflecting the Japanese philosophy of ichi-go ichi-e (one time, one meeting).
材料(1 small porcelain cup (約120ml)分)
- 2 teaspoons Sencha (Japanese green tea leaves) (煎茶)
- 400 ml Filtered water (soft water preferred)
- 4 thin slices Fresh lemon or yuzu (use yuzu if in season)
- 1 teaspoon Kurozato (Okinawan black sugar) (黒砂糖, or honey for non-vegan) - オプション
- 4 leaves Mint leaves (for garnish) - オプション
- 1/2 teaspoon Lemon zest (finely grated, organic preferred) - オプション
- as needed Ice cubes (for iced version) - オプション
- a few Edible sakura petals (for spring presentation) - オプション
作り方
- 1
Boil filtered water and let it cool to about 80°C (176°F) to avoid bitterness in the sencha.
5 minutes
Never use boiling water directly on green tea to preserve flavor.
- 2
Place sencha leaves in a kyusu (Japanese teapot) or heatproof pot.
2 minutes
Pre-warm the teapot with hot water for enhanced aroma.
- 3
Pour the cooled water over the tea leaves and steep for 1.5–2 minutes.
2 minutes
Do not over-steep to prevent bitterness.
- 4
While the tea is brewing, prepare the lemon or yuzu slices and zest. If using kurozato, dissolve it in a small amount of warm tea.
3 minutes
Slice lemons thinly for visual appeal and even flavor release.
この料理が健康的な理由
This beverage is a healthy choice thanks to its natural ingredients, low calorie count, and absence of processed additives. Green tea is known for boosting metabolism and aiding in digestion, while lemon supports detoxification and hydration. Using kurozato or minimal sweeteners keeps the glycemic load low, making it ideal for weight management and stable energy. The addition of seasonal fruits and herbs increases its nutritional value and antioxidant content.
This Japanese Lemon Afternoon Tea is low in calories, free of cholesterol, and contains no animal products, making it suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets. Sencha is rich in antioxidants such as catechins and Vitamin C, which help reduce inflammation and support immunity. Lemon or yuzu adds additional Vitamin C and flavonoids, while kurozato provides trace minerals like calcium and potassium. The absence of dairy and refined sugars makes this beverage a heart-healthy choice suitable for most wellness goals.
プロのヒント
- 💡Tip 1: Use yuzu instead of lemon for a sweeter and more aromatic citrus flavor.
- 💡Tip 2: Always let boiled water cool before steeping sencha to avoid bitterness.
- 💡Tip 3: For special occasions, float edible sakura petals for a festive touch.
保存と提供
Best enjoyed fresh. If prepared in advance, store in a covered glass pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours. Add lemon slices just before serving to prevent bitterness.
最適な提供方法: Afternoon
栄養成分
| 栄養素 | 100gあたり |
|---|---|
| エネルギー | 28.0 kcal |
| タンパク質 | 0.0 g |
| 炭水化物 | 7.0 g |
| 総脂質 | 0.0 g |
| 食物繊維 | 0.0 g |
