Gyokuro Tea

Gyokuro is the most luxurious of Japanese green teas. It is similar to Matcha, as it is grown in the shade to produce a soft umami flavour. Protected from the glare of the sun, and harvested just once a year, in Spring, when only the youngest and sweetest leaves are picked. These are then steamed, dried and rolled.

We would recommend loose-leaf Gyokuro Tea, using a small tea-pot (like one from our blue and white porcelain collection). Small tea-pots and cups tend to capture more aroma to enjoy. As a result of it being grown in the shade, Gyokuro contains large amounts of anti-oxidants and Vitamin C, as well as a moderate level of caffeine, and Gyokuro and Matcha rank as some of the best teas in terms of health benefits. Gyokuro is also a good tea to try for those would like to start drinking fine quality Japanese tea, but find that Matcha is too different from black tea. The caffeine in Gyokuro is also less harsh than it is in coffee, partly because it brews at a lower temperature. 

The best region for producing Gyokuro Tea is Yame on the island of Kyushu, and the Yame region has achieved the top Gyokuro award by the Japanese government for 21 consecutive years. 

The best Gyokuro Tea maker in Yame is Hoshino Seicha. We have chosen to offer two Gyokuro teas from Hoshino Seicha – Mare and Hien. Mare was the winner of the Best Japanese Tea Award in 2016. This tea competition is the most respected award in Japan, as it is sponsored by Japan’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Mare is quite simply the very best Gyokuro Tea there is! If you’d like to try it out, we even have a small 5g packet for those who’d like to have a first taste. 

  •    

1 4