Gyokuro is a premium shade-grown Japanese green tea with a high concentration of rich umami flavor. While sencha is usually grown under the full sun, gyokuro is shielded from the sun (shaded for approximately 20 days, but length vary by farmer and region). Under the broadest definition of sencha as a steamed, rolled green tea, gyokuro would be considered the pinnacle of flavor. The catechins (a kind of antioxidant) that create bitter flavors in tea are prevented from forming due to the shading of the plant while the leaves are growing. Instead, the plant preserves a high level of L-theanine amino acid content resulting in an increase in umami flavors. The shading also increase chlorophyll generating beautiful deep green colors in the leaves. 

ORIGIN

Tottori, Japan

TEA TYPE

Gyokuro

BOILING TEMPERATURE

Approx. 130°F (55°C)

BREWING TIME

3 mins

WEIGHT

Approx. 3.53 oz (100g) 

PER SERVING

Approx. 0.28 oz (8g) per serving