Amacha

Amacha (甘茶, literally "sweet tea") is a Japanese herbal tea made from the dried leaves of Hydrangea macrophylla var. thunbergii. Unlike common teas derived from Camellia sinensis, Amacha is not related to the tea plant. Its defining characteristic is its intensely sweet flavor, despite containing no sugar or artificial sweeteners. The sweetness comes from phyllodulcin, a natural sweetener present in the leaves.

Amacha is traditionally consumed on April 8th during Hanamatsuri (Buddha's Birthday) in Japan. During this celebration, images of the infant Buddha are bathed in Amacha. This tradition likely stems from the legend that Amrita, a type of heavenly nectar, rained down from the sky upon Buddha's birth. The tea's sweet flavor symbolizes this nectar.

The preparation of Amacha involves carefully drying and curing the hydrangea leaves. The leaves are harvested, dried (often in the sun), and then crumpled or bruised. This process releases enzymes that transform a compound within the leaves into phyllodulcin, developing the distinctive sweet taste. The tea is typically brewed by steeping the dried leaves in hot water.

While primarily used for Hanamatsuri, Amacha is also sometimes enjoyed as a beverage in other contexts. Its unique sweet taste makes it a caffeine-free alternative to sweetened drinks. It is also sometimes used in herbal remedies, although scientific evidence supporting such uses is limited. The intensely sweet taste should be noted when considering its use, and moderation is generally advised.