Gyokuro from Kurihara | green tea

In the quiet, mist-shrouded hills of Yabemura Village, where the air is crisp and the seasons weave their subtle magic, lies the Kurihara Tea Farm. It’s a place where tradition meets innovation, where each leaf is a testament to generations of dedication.

Grown beneath handcrafted bamboo and straw shades, this Gyokuro is nurtured away from the harsh glare of the sun. The shading process, which blocks out 85% of sunlight, allows the leaves to mature in a tender embrace of darkness, infusing them with sweetness and complexity. As the morning dew gathers on the leaves and the natural shade drips with moisture, a unique flavor is born—one that carries the essence of the past, where every cup is a link to ancient methods and the land itself.

Kurihara-san, the master behind this exquisite tea, employs an advanced cultivation technique known as the "termination of apex domination." By carefully cutting off the apex buds of the tea plant in early spring, he channels the plant's energy into the lateral buds, creating leaves that are rich in flavor and depth. These lateral buds are then handpicked with great care, ensuring that only the finest leaves make it into the final product.

Gyokuro is typically aged for several months before it is ready to be savored. This aging process, in a cool and controlled environment, gently diminishes the green, bitter notes and amplifies the umami, resulting in a tea that is not just drunk but experienced.

Seafood
Pairs beautifully with sushi, sashimi, or lightly grilled fish like mackerel or seabass.

Avocado salad with ponzu dressing
The savory and slightly sweet miso glaze on grilled eggplant pairs beautifully with the tea’s nutty, toasty flavors, creating a harmonious blend of tastes.

Rice crackers (Senbei)
Great simple snack pairing. The tea’s sweetness counterbalances the savory crunch of the senbei.

Matcha mochi
The soft and elastic texture of the mochi contrasts delightfully with the smooth, delicate mouthfeel of the tea. The subtle sweetness of mochi accentuates Gyokuro’s own naturally sweet notes, creating a synergy that amplifies the tea’s distinct savory characteristics.

Tea weight: 5 gram
Water amount: 500 ml
Water temperature: cold to room temperature
Steep time: 3 hours

These are broad guidelines, and you can definitely adjust the water amount, temperature, tea amount, and steep time depending on your own personal taste.

Instructions:

1. If you have a tea bag, place the leaves inside the tea bag.
2. Place the tea bag (or tea leaves) inside your bottle or jug
3. Fill with water.
4. Put the bottle / jug in the refrigerator.
5. Drink within 24 hours.