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.