Gyokuro is one of Japan’s most sought-after teas. The name “Gyokuro” translates to “jade dew,” a name that reveals the tea’s beautiful color and quality. Gyokuro is a shade-grown tea, meaning that the tea bushes used for Gyokuro are protected from daylight for about 3-4 weeks before harvest. As a result, Gyokuro develops a sweet and umami-rich flavor. The leaves used for high-quality Gyokuro are harvested in early spring, making it one of the first teas of the season. Only the youngest leaves are picked, which contributes to the tea’s delicate flavor. Gyokuro is known for its rich and complex flavor that has hints of a subtle sea saltiness and a mild note of spring’s first fruits.
