Ocha

For a cup of ocha green tea, open the caddy and pour some of the finely milled green leaves into the lid; about the same amount as would make a small pile in the palm of your hand. When you buy the best tea, the leaves don't rustle, and have a smooth, almost oily texture and a rich odor.

Tip the leaves into the teapot, which has a filter behind the spout to keep the leaves inside. Pour in water about 15 degrees shy of boiling; this is easy with an electric hot water pot with a green tea temperature setting. The leaves immediately swell and release their juices. Pour the tea into a cup immediately.

The dark green, slightly opaque liquid tastes mild and grassy, with a hint of bitterness. Sipped, it both calms and alerts. A cup of green tea at any time of the day is a simple, profound pleasure.

--Julian