Gyokuro
Gyokuro is the king of Japanese green teas and is a delicate and exclusive beverage that requires enormous amounts of skill and work. It’s so rare because it’s so difficult to make. If you are looking for the best green tea experience, then look no further than our exclusive selection of gyokuro tea! This delicate tea brews to a beautiful shade of emerald green, and has an exquisite flavor that makes it one of the world’s most sought-after varieties. Many gyokuro available at IKKYU have received the highest awards in Japan. Gyokuro from Yame — a region in Kyushu with ideal weather conditions that help create the highest-quality leaves — is the most appreciated inof all Japan and is praised for its exceptional quality. Its mild astringency and rich flavor make it an absolute delight to drink. The art of crafting gyokuro green tea — from shade to sipThe tea leaves are cultivated using a special method where the young leaves are shaded from direct sunlight for around 20 days. Shading is usually done through dark plastic sheet, but in Yame, traditional farmers will use natural rice straw to make "Dento Hon Gyokuro", the highest label of quality that is recognized with a GI mark. This method creates an incredibly rich flavor profile with notes of sweetness and earthiness, which balances out to create an exquisite cup of tea. Compared to sencha, gyokuro tends to be smoother, more full-bodied, and less astringent, offering a decadent scent and a thick yet mellow flavor profile. Gyokuro is also much richer than sencha in umami, due to its high levels of theanine and the reduced water temperature used during the brewing process. Thanks to the shading process, the rate of photosynthesis is significantly reduced, and less theanine gets converted into other compounds. How to brew the ultimate cup of gyokuro teaUnlike other green teas, brewing gyokuro requires consideration to ensure it retains its vibrant fragrance while balancing the delicate notes of its complex flavor profile. To create a cup that rivals a tea master, the water should be brought to a boil and then lowered to about 122°F to 140°F (50 °C to 60 °C). The brewing time should range between two and three minutes. Dramatic increases in water temperature will lead to a bitter, dull flavor, while a reduction in brewing time could mean your gyokuro tea may not be sweet enough. For more information, visit our dedicated page and use our comparative chart to see at a glance the properties of our featured products. The IKKYU differenceWith impeccable quality and exclusivity at the core of our selection, IKKYU proudly sources specialty, rare, and award-winning green teas from several regions across Japan, made from the first and second harvests. Each blend is carefully packed and processed by our partner producers, bringing the best varieties to your doorstep. The care taken at every step, from harvest to transport and brewing at home, reflects our philosophy of honoring tradition, craftsmanship, and the exceptional work of our partner farmers. Shop the finest gyokuro green tea collectionImmerse yourself in the world of gyokuro tea and discover a selection that’s trusted, appreciated, and treasured by tea connoisseurs across the globe. From unique blends that combine incredible sweetness with umami to organic varieties that fuse aromatic notes of wildflowers and dried honey with steamed asparagus and luxury sets that make for the perfect gift, shop the collection today. No matter where you’re located worldwide, we ship orders via FedEx International Priority and cover part of the shipping fees as part of our exclusive services. Are you new to the world of gyokuro tea or have questions about your order? Our team is here to assist — contact us today. We also encourage you to review our FAQs or find the latest news to learn more about the flavor profiles, health benefits, and caffeine contents of our varieties. |
