Organic Gyokuro Green Tea
Our organic Gyokuro (pronounced gyo-KUR-o) represents the pinnacle of organic Japanese green tea. Grown in the Kagoshima Prefecture of Japan, our Gyokuro is shaded prior to harvesting, which stresses the tea plant, resulting in a higher chlorophyll content. In the cup, this creates a fuller body and bolder vegetal quality. In addition, the light electric green infusion exhibits a sweet and nutty flavor that is smoother and less bitter than our organic Sencha. As is customary with most Japanese teas, our organic Gyokuro exhibits mixed grading consisting of both small and larger leaf pieces and very fine particles to create a full and brothy cup that, according to Japanese tea culture, creates a harmonious infusion revealing the full breadth of the leaf.
Brewing Gyokuro like any other green tea can produce a fantastic cup, no doubt, but the traditional method really highlights the beautiful umami qualities this tea is known for. We recommend steeping one teaspoon of Gyokuro in 8 oz of water heated to 158 degrees F (or lower) for only one minute. After that, steep one or two more times, extending the steeping time slightly with each subsequent infusion.
Ingredients: organic Japanese green tea
Origin: Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan
Kagoshima is a prefecture on the island of Kyushu, in Southern Japan which boasts a chain of active and inactive volcanoes that add to the soil content. Kagoshima is the second largest producer of green tea in Japan, and tea has been growing here since the 1300s. However, much of the world never experiences organic tea from Kagoshima because green tea is so popular in Japan that most tea grown in Japan is consumed in Japan; very little is exported. Within Japan, Kagoshima is the furthest distance from the Fukushima disaster. For those concerned with the implications of the Fukushima-Daiichi disaster, we continue to have our organic teas from Japan independently tested for radiation.
Steeping Instructions
At Arbor Teas, we believe tea should be brewed to suit your personal taste. We’re happy to make recommendations to get you started, but don’t hesitate to experiment! When brewing your tea, your main considerations are tea quantity, water temperature, and steeping time. Brewing Gyokuro like any other green tea can produce a fantastic cup, no doubt, but the traditional method really highlights the beautiful umami qualities it is known for. We recommend steeping one teaspoon of Gyokuro in 8 oz of water heated to 158 degrees F (or lower) for only one minute. After that, steep one or two more times, extending the steeping time slightly with each subsequent infusion. For the best flavor, use fresh water whenever possible, and avoid overboiling. Try not to steep your tea longer than necessary, as you’ll extract undesirable bitterness from the leaves. If you want a stronger brew, don’t steep longer, just use more tea. And don’t forget to re-steep your tea leaves to get the most out of your leaf!
Looking for more info? Check out our How-To Guides and Eco-Brewing Tips!
Staff Perspectives
Sarah
"When I open a bag of Gyokuro I can smell the cool ocean air. Even though I have never been to Japan, I can only imagine that this is what standing on the beach and watching the waves crash, would smell like."
Jeremy
"While it's a bit pricey for everyday drinking, this tea is a wonderful indulgence for the true green tea lover."
Aubrey
"I'm always amazed by just how vegetal this organic green tea is! I pick out notes of kale and kelp."
Health Benefits
Like all true tea, Gyokuro green tea offers many potential health benefits. Research has found that tea (Camellia sinensis) can have many positive effects on human health, including improved cardiovascular function, cancer risk reduction, improved immune function, improved oral health, and help with weight management. Tea is also full of polyphenols, which are a class of antioxidant that help your body maintain homeostasis and balance your stress levels.
Gyokuro specifically has elevated levels of L-theanine, a beneficial amino acid to help balance stress levels and promote a sense of calm and focus. This is a result of the shading the tea plants undergo for several weeks before harvest. The shading stresses the plant, and causes an increased production of certain nutrients including chlorophyll and L-theanine.
For more information about the health benefits of gyokuro and other types of tea, and for direct sources of the above information, check out our Tea Health Benefits page!
Please note: the information above is for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
