Gyokuro - Hien (Shaded Green Tea)

Hoshino Seichaen

Famous for their high-grade shaded teas such as Gyokuro and Matcha, Hoshino Seichaen has been producing tea in the foggy mountain village of Yame for almost 80 years. They aim to manufacture and process high-quality tea with all their heart, whilst preserving the age-old traditions that make Japanese tea so special.

How to Make Perfect Gyokuro Tea:

1. Put the tea leaves in a pot. For 3 servings use 2 tablespoons of tea (about 7-9 g). For 5 servings use 2 full tablespoons of tea (about 11-13 g). Adjust to taste.
2. Fill up a tea cup to 80% with hot water into 3 small cups (about 60ml each) and let it cool down to a temperature of 60℃-70℃. A lower temperature will produce a milder and rounder taste, while higher temperatures will make the tea taste more sharp. If you enjoy sharp tasting teas, increase the temperature by around 10℃.
3. Pour the water back into the pot from the 3 cups and wait for one minute. If using a higher temperature, just wait for 30 seconds.
4. Pour the tea back and forth into the 3 cups to obtain the same taste and concentration. Do not leave any tea in the pot, pour it all out to the last drop.
5. For a second infusion, use water of a little higher temperature than for the first and let the tea steep for only 10 seconds before pouring it into the cups.