Green tea workshops from 300-year-old Kyoto tea purveyor

Where better to learn about Japanese green tea than from tea masters at Ippodo, a company in Kyoto that has been producing tea for more than three centuries? It was founded in 1717, five years before this country. On Sept. 23 and 24, Tortoise General Store on Abbot Kinney in Venice is hosting Ippodo staff for a series of Japanese green tea workshops. If you've ever been confused about brewing temperatures or tea etiquette, here's your chance to listen in on three centuries of experience with the delicate tea. In “Introductory Green Tea” students will learn to prepare all four types of Japanese green tea — matcha, gyokuro, sencha and hojicha. Master both the basics and the difference between grades of matcha and gyokuro in the “Matcha & Gyokuro” workshop. The 4 1/2-hour classes are limited to eight students and cost $45, including tastings.   Call Tortoise at (310) 314-8448 for the schedule or email workshop@tortoisegeneralstore.com to reserve a place. ALSO: New York Times restaurant critic moves on Santa Monica farmers market celebrates 30 years Food events: Moon Festival, Nancy Silverton and more -- S. Irene Virbila Twitter.com/sirenevirbila Photos: Matcha. Credit: Ippodo