Japanese Gyokuro Asahi Green Tea is one of Japan’s most rare and expensive teas. This premium tea is highly sought after for its quality and is one of the most expensive green teas around. Grown under shade this organic tea is locally known as “Jade Dew” due to its pale green liquor.
The uniqueness of Gyokuro Asahi lies in its cultivation process where the tea plants are covered with bamboo mats for several weeks to reduce sunlight. This process increases the amino acid content especially theanine which gives the tea its smooth taste and sweetness.
Cultivation and Production
Gyokuro Asahi is grown using the traditional kabuse method where the tea plants are shaded for about 30 days before harvest. This reduces the tannic acid in the tea leaves and gives a smoother taste and flavor. The tea leaves are then hand picked and processed to ensure the best quality. Asahi cultivar is used to produce Gyokuro Asahi which is known for its sweetness and aroma.
This shade grown tea has a pale green liquor due to its high chlorophyll content. The liquor is often described as smooth and rich with a delicate balance of umami and sweetness unlike other.
Origin and History Gyokuro Asahi Tea
Gyokuro Asahi is from Shizuoka prefecture in Japan which is one of the top Gyokuro producing areas. The tea plants are grown in Asahina region where the soil, climate and sunlight create the perfect conditions for green tea production. The history of Gyokuro Asahi goes back centuries and the tea is highly prized for its unique flavor and aroma.
Gyokuro Asahi cultivation is deeply rooted in Japanese tea culture, its history dates back to the Edo period. During this time tea masters perfected the art of shading tea plants which is now an essential part of Gyokuro production. Asahi cultivar is chosen for its quality and is carefully tended to so the leaves can develop the characteristics of Gyokuro Asahi.
Over the years Gyokuro Asahi has gained international recognition and is now a symbol of luxury and elegance in the green tea world. Production is a closely guarded tradition passed down from generation to generation of tea growers who are committed to preserve its heritage. The commitment to quality and tradition ensures Gyokuro Asahi remains a highly sought after and treasured tea by tea connoisseurs around the world.
How to Make Gyokuro Asahi Green Tea
Brewing Gyokuro Asahi Green Tea is an art that requires attention to detail to enjoy its delicate flavors and aromas. Follow these steps to brew a perfect cup:
- Measure the Tea Leaves: Use 1 heaping teaspoon (5g) of Gyokuro Asahi tea leaves for every 5 oz (150ml) of water.
- Heat the Water: Boil fresh filtered water then let it cool down to 140°F to 160°F (60°C to 70°C). Use cooler water to extract the tea’s sweetness and umami without bitterness.
- Preheat the Teapot and Cup: Pour a little of the heated water into your teapot and tea cup then discard the water. This step helps to keep the water temperature during brewing.
- Add the Gyokuro Asahi Green Tea Leaves to the Teapot: Put the measured tea leaves into the preheated teapot.
- Pour the Water Over the Leaves: Pour the cooled water over the tea leaves, make sure they are fully covered.
- Steep the Tea: Steep for 1.5 to 2 minutes. Don’t over steep to avoid bitterness.
- Serve: Pour the tea into your preheated cup or bowl and enjoy the pale green liquor and aroma.
Enjoy and Repeat: Gyokuro Asahi can be steeped multiple times. For subsequent infusions, increase the water temperature and steep for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Flavor and Aroma
Gyokuro Asahi has a rich and smooth flavor profile with subtle sweetness and umami. The aroma unfolds in a complex and alluring bouquet with sweet, vegetal and oceanic notes that will transport you to the tea gardens of Japan.
Unlike most green teas, Gyokuro Asahi has a more refined and less astringent taste, each sip is luxurious. The pale green liquor is a result of high chlorophyll content and the shading process makes it even smoother and more flavorful.
In Short
Gyokuro Asahi Green Tea is a reflection of the art and tradition of Japanese tea culture. The unique shading process of the tea plants makes it not only flavorful but also highly valued. The attention to detail in its production – from the Asahi cultivar to hand-picking of the leaves – ensures each cup is smooth with subtle sweetness and umami balance.
This luxurious tea is also known as “Jade Dew” and is a chance for tea lovers to experience a pale green liquor that is both beautiful and rare. The high chlorophyll content gives it the vibrant color and complex aroma that connoisseurs love. Its international recognition and history makes it one of the best green teas out there.
For those who appreciate the subtleties of fine teas, brewing Gyokuro Asahi Green Tea is an art that requires attention to detail. By following the traditional brewing method, you can unlock all the flavors and aromas this tea has to offer. Whether you drink it alone or with others, Gyokuro Asahi is a moment of tranquility and indulgence, the essence of Japanese tea craft.