What is Gyokuro tea?
The Japanese green teas are numerous, among them you can find the mythical matcha tea, Sencha green tea... but also Goykuro tea. Cultivated on the island of Kyushu (the most southwest of the Archipelago) in Japan, Gyokuro tea has a name that lives up to its reputation: it means “pearl of dew” or “precious rose” in Japanese. Its specificity? This is a “shadow tea”. That is to say that tarpaulins or arbors are placed on its plans three weeks before the picking. This covered development, under humid heat, by photosynthesis, increases the chlorophyll and theine content, but reduces the tannin content. Only the buds and the first leaves are harvested once a year in spring. Similar to pine thorns, these thin, flat emerald green leaves are then sorted and selected. Before being dried and undergoing a steam bath, in order to keep their properties intact. It is this steaming method, invented nearly 300 years ago in Japan, which makes this green tea so specific.
Where does Gyokuro come from?
Each Gyokuro will be specific depending on its origin. Indeed, in the cultivation of tea, regional specificities (quality of the soil, climate, sunshine, know-how of the producers) have a significant impact on the character, quality and taste of the tea leaves. In Japan, there are several Gyokuro producing regions: Yame, Mie, Uji, Shizuoka and Kagoshima.
What does Gyokuro tea taste like?
Those who have had the chance to taste it report a taste of seaweed, very sweet, smooth, rich and subtle, very appreciated by the Japanese. The latter use the term “Umami”, the fifth taste qualifier, to designate what is “tasty”, “spicy”, and “pleasant”. Soft yellow in color, its infusion contains less tannin than other green teas, so that the bitterness is less felt. Its high theine content can make it a coffee substitute. The noblest, most refined and most precious green tea in the land of the Rising Sun, the nobility of Kyoto (Japan) adopted it and honored it during very ritualized tea ceremonies. So much so that Gyokuro has become the emblematic tea to be enjoyed on special occasions in Japan.
What are the health benefits of Gyokuro tea?
Known for its anti-stress and relaxing effect (in particular thanks to the presence of theanine), rich in vitamin C and in antioxidants, green tea Gyokuro is unanimously appreciated, both for its taste and for its benefits and properties on health and the body. Its high content of polyphenols (also called catechins) helps to strengthen the immune system, fight against premature aging of cells and fight against the action of free radicals.
The specificity of Gyokuro tea? It is the presence of amino acids (L-Theine) linked to caffeine/theine which have a stimulating role, as well as a supposed beneficial action on memory and concentration.
A natural source of energy, it gives you the boost you need during the day. Gyokuro tea is a stimulant but not a stimulant like coffee. It delivers its tone diffusely throughout the day.
Like other green teas, Gyokuro also has beneficial effects on digestion and transit. So, it can be consumed after a rich meal.
Intrigued by the subject? Discover the benefits associated with the green tea family.
How to prepare Gyokuro tea to benefit from all its benefits?
Gyokuro tea is consumed in the traditional way, letting the leaves steep. The water should never be boiling, just simmering, so as not to damage the tea leaves. For Gyokuro green tea, we recommend infusing for 3 minutes in water at 70°. For more details, refer to the recommendations indicated on the box. In summer, you can also prepare it iced tea style. Infuse four teaspoons of Gyokuro tea in half a liter of simmering water (heated to 70°C). Leave to infuse for 3 minutes, before filtering. Pour the infusion obtained into a jug filled with ice cubes, before serving and enjoying.
Choosing a quality Gyokuro tea? We opt for organic
How to choose this tea which is already one of the best teas in the world? At Kusmi, we advise you to favor organic products that guarantee quality. In fact, organic tea is tea whose leaves have undergone numerous quality controls, both within the crops and in the factories.
Organic farming also guarantees sorting (sometimes done by hand) of the best tea leaves and shoots, as well as a tea respectful of the environment and producers. So, to fully appreciate the taste of this Japanese green tea, choose organic loose tea.
Our opinion on Gyokuro green tea
We hope you taste this very special, noble and emblematic green tea of Japan! Its fresh, vegetal and intense taste will delight the finest palates and connoisseurs. Grown in shade, it is part of the very select family of high-end teas and has numerous health benefits.