YUKI GYOKURO GREEN TEA

Gyokuro is one of Japan's most refined green teas, distinguished by its long period of shading before harvest. This organic Gyokuro from Ujitawara, Kyoto was shaded for 25 days before being harvested on May 28, 2026.

What makes this particular tea special is the blend of two cultivars with distinctly different personalities. Gokou is known for its deep sweetness, richness and pronounced umami, while Uji Midori contributes a fresher, more herbaceous character. Together, they create an unusually harmonious balance between richness and freshness.

The extended shading is central to Gyokuro's character. By limiting direct sunlight before harvest, the tea plant retains more of its naturally occurring theanine while suppressing the conversion of theanine into catechins. This results in the characteristic deep umami, reduced bitterness and smooth, mellow character of shaded Japanese teas.

The result is a Gyokuro with deep umami, natural sweetness, fresh green and herbaceous notes, a silky body and a long, savoury finish. Rather than being overwhelmingly rich, the Uji Midori component gives the cup a refreshing lift that keeps the tea elegant and balanced.

This year's harvest was particularly successful for the Uji Midori fields. The cultivar can be susceptible to damage, but this season the fields remained in excellent condition through harvest, allowing its distinctive character to come through clearly.

Origin: Ujitawara, Kyoto, Japan
Cultivars: Gokou & Uji Midori
Harvest: May 28, 2026
Shading: 25 days
Final processing: June 2026

Brewing

We recommend preparing Gyokuro in a Shiboridashi with a low water temperature to bring out its sweetness, umami and texture.

3 g / 60 ml

1st steep — 50°C / 90 sec
2nd steep — 60°C / 90 sec
3rd steep — 70°C / 120 sec
4th steep — 80°C / 180 sec