Country of Origin: Japan Region:
Shizuoka
Prefecture
Grade: Gyokuro
Infusion: Very bright
Manufacture Type: Shade grown and steamed green
tea
Information: This is one of Japan’s best green
tea (made from single buds that are picked only in April/May. In an effort to
develop increased chlorophyll (making them dark green) and reduced the tannin
(giving a sweeter flavor with no bitterness), the tea is covered with black
curtains or bamboo and straw shades for 3 weeks in early spring. The
leaves are small - about 3/4’s on an inch long and extremely fragrant and
tender. Immediately after plucking the leaves are taken to the factory and
steamed for about 30 minutes to seal in the flavor and arrest fermentation.
Next they are fluffed with hot air and pressed and dried to 30% moisture
content. Repeated rolling takes place until the tea develops long thin dark
green needles at which time it is finally dried to a 4-6%
moisture content. The result is a full flavored green tea that has a satisfying
light refreshing character. Gyokuro has been referred to as
“history, philosophy and art in a single cup.”
Hot tea brewing method: The secret is
to use water between 120’F to 150’F. Place 5 heaping teaspoons of long thin
leaves into a 3 cup teapot. Let the tea steep for about 2 minutes. Pour off the
tea completely and begin enjoying a cup of enchantment. The leaves can then be
re-infused with water 135 - 160’F and on the third and final brewing use water
between 150’F and 180’F.