2024 Watanabe Kabuse Shincha Japanese green tea, organic

This early harvest shincha green tea comes from the tea garden of Mankichi and Keita Watanabe in the absolutely picturesque island of Yakushima, half the size of Hiiumaa [Estonia], located in the southern-most tip of Japan. It is not a well-known tea production region, but there are a few farms - the island is mostly known for its famous cedar forests, natural parks and wildlife. This tea is defined by its beautifully balanced, composed flavour with just the right amount of nuance of flavour which is achieved through the mastery of blending - this is a blend of leaves from three tea bush varietals Kuritawase, Sae Midori and Asatsuyu. KABUSE refers to the shading of the bushes - approximately two weeks before the harvest, the leaves are covered with sun-blocking textile - this changes the biochemistry of the tea emphasizing the beloved umami-flavour. Harvested 3rd of April. Only available seasonally!

Shincha, literally "new tea" is the very early first harvest of the season, usually plucked a week or more before the regular harvest. For this style of tea, only the youngest buds and leaves are carefully selected and the tea typically undergoes a very short steaming process, preserving the raw essence of the leaf. Most of shincha is consumed up locally within Japan and very little is sold abroad.

Quantity: 50g