What is Gyokuro tea?
There are many Japanese green teas, among which you can find the mythical matcha tea, Sencha green tea... and also Gyokuro tea. Grown on the island of Kyushu (the furthest south-west of the archipelago) in Japan, Gyokuro tea has a name that lives up to its reputation: it means “dew pearl” or “precious dew” in Japanese. What makes it special? It is a “shade tea”. This means that sheets or canopies are placed over the tea bushes three weeks before harvesting. This shaded growth, in humid warmth, driven by photosynthesis, increases chlorophyll and caffeine levels, but reduces tannin content. Only the buds and first leaves are harvested once a year in spring. Resembling pine needles, these delicate, flat emerald green leaves are then sorted and selected. Before being dried and steamed, in order to keep their properties intact. It is this steaming method, invented nearly 300 years ago in Japan, that makes this green tea so unique.
Where does Gyokuro come from?
Each Gyokuro is unique to its origin. Indeed, in tea cultivation, regional characteristics (soil quality, climate, sunshine, tea growers' know-how) have a major 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 describe a seaweed-like flavour that is very smooth, mellow, rich and subtle, highly prized by the Japanese. They use the word “Umami”, the fifth taste quality, to describe something that is “savoury”, “flavourful” and “pleasant”. With its delicate yellow colour, its infusion contains less tannin than other green teas, so that bitterness is less noticeable. Its high caffeine content can make it a great alternative to coffee. As the noblest, most refined and most precious green tea in the Land of the Rising Sun, the Kyoto nobility adopted it and gave it pride of place during highly ritualised tea ceremonies. So much so that Gyokuro has become the iconic tea to enjoy on special occasions in Japan.
What are the health benefits of Gyokuro tea?
Renowned for its anti-stress and relaxing effect (thanks in particular to the presence of theanine), rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, Gyokuro green tea is unanimously acclaimed, as much for its flavour as for its health properties and benefits for the body. Its high polyphenol content (also known as catechins) is believed to help boost the immune system, combat premature cellular ageing and protect against the effects of free radicals.
What makes Gyokuro tea so special? It is the presence of amino acids (L-theanine) combined with caffeine, which act as a stimulant, as well as providing supposed beneficial effects on memory and concentration.
A natural source of energy, it provides the boost you need in the middle of the day. Gyokuro tea is a stimulant, but not an agitator like coffee. It delivers its energising effect steadily throughout the day.
Like other green teas, Gyokuro is also thought to have beneficial effects on digestion and gut health. As such, it can be enjoyed after a heavy meal.
Intrigued by the subject? Discover the benefits associated with the green tea family.
How to brew Gyokuro tea to enjoy all its benefits?
Gyokuro tea is enjoyed in the traditional way, by letting the leaves infuse. The water must never be boiling, just simmering, so as not to damage the tea leaves. For a Gyokuro green tea, we recommend brewing for 3 minutes in water heated to 70°C. For more details, refer to the recommendations on the tin. In summer, you can also prepare it iced. Infuse four teaspoons of Gyokuro tea in half a litre of simmering water (heated to 70°C). Leave to infuse for 3 minutes, then strain. Pour the brewed tea into a jug filled with ice cubes, then serve and enjoy.
Choosing quality Gyokuro tea? Opt for organic
How to choose this tea, which is already considered one of the finest teas in the world? At Kusmi, we recommend opting for organic products as a guarantee of quality. Indeed, an organic tea is one whose leaves have undergone rigorous quality controls, both in the fields and in the production facilities.
Organic farming also guarantees careful sorting (sometimes done by hand) of the finest tea leaves and shoots, as well as a tea that respects the environment and growers. So, to fully appreciate the flavour of this Japanese green tea, opt for organic loose-leaf tea whenever possible.
Our reviews on Gyokuro green tea
We hope you get the chance to taste this distinctive, noble and iconic Japanese green tea! Its fresh, vegetal and intense flavour will delight even the most discerning palates and connoisseurs. Grown in the shade, it belongs to the exclusive family of premium teas and boasts numerous health benefits.