Organically Grown Gyokuro by Tsuru Kazuyuki

Tsuru-san's Organically Grown Gyokuro is a unique opportunity to try long-shaded green tea from Japan that did not use any chemical pesticides in its production. This is rather a rare treat. Gyokuro's main distinguishing feature is that it is shaded for about three weeks prior to plucking, which forces the production of more chlorophyll in the plants, which means more L-theanine, which means more of an umami taste in the tea. However, this extended shading really stresses the plant and makes it much more likely to experience pests. So, generally, shaded plants require pesticides to manage them. An organic gyokuro is genuinely uncommon.

This particular gyokuro from Tsuru-san is a blend of Yabukita and Asatsuyu cultivars, grown in the birthplace of Japanese tea cultivation, Saga Prefecture. The result is a deliciously condensed flavor that feels light on the tongue, with a gentle sweetness that complements the tea's natural savoriness. The cup is distinctly vegetal, with delicate floral notes emerging subtly in the finish.

2025 early spring harvest. Yabukita and Asatsuyu blend.