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What is Gyokuro Tea? How to Brew Gyokuro Tea Perfectly.

Embark on a journey of discovery as we delve into the world of Gyokuro tea. Uncover the secrets of this exquisite Japanese green tea and explore the art of brewing the perfect cup. Learn the traditional methods and techniques to unlock the full potential of this delicate and nuanced beverage. Join us as we unravel the mystery and charm of Gyokuro, and discover why it has captivated tea enthusiasts around the globe.

Administrator

10 July, 2024

Gyokuro tea is a luxurious and exquisite Japanese tea with a plethora of health benefits and a positive impact on the skin. Join us today as we delve into the world of this fascinating beverage.

1 What is Gyokuro Tea?

What is Gyokuro Tea?

Gyokuro, or “Jade Dew” in Japanese, is a type of green tea grown in shaded areas. The name refers to the pale green color of the infused tea, setting it apart from regular teas as it is grown in shade rather than full sunlight.

History of Gyokuro

The origin of Gyokuro tea can be traced back to the Yamamotoyama company. In 1835, the sixth Yamamoto Kahei of the company traveled to Uji to study the processing of tencha. According to locals, the practice of shading tea bushes before harvesting was actually invented by Uji farmers to protect the tea leaves from cold weather using straw as an umbrella. Yamamoto Kahei attempted to replicate this method but ended up creating a new type of tea, which he named tamanotsuyu (玉の露). Eguchi Shigejuro (江口茂十郎) utilized the sencha production method invented by Nagatani Soen (永谷宗円) and further refined the manufacturing of Gyokuro in 1841. Eguchi gave this tea the name Gyokuro.

2 Gyokuro Tea Processing Method

Flavor of Gyokuro Tea

Gyokuro tea leaves have a distinct needle-like shape and a deep green color, setting them apart from regular teas. Gyokuro tea has a characteristic sweetness, with a gentle and refreshing flavor often described as a cool summer stream.

4 Benefits of Gyokuro Tea

Benefits of Gyokuro Tea

Gyokuro tea is rich in antioxidants and offers a range of health benefits:

Fat Burning: Gyokuro green tea contains catechins, powerful antioxidants that boost metabolism and promote calorie burning.
Disease Prevention and Anti-Aging: The catechins and theanine in Gyokuro tea strengthen the body’s immune system and protect against various health conditions.
Cancer Prevention: The antioxidants in Gyokuro tea help fight free radicals that can lead to cancer.
Improved Cardiovascular Health: Drinking Gyokuro tea can lower harmful cholesterol levels, promoting a healthier cardiovascular system.
Enhanced Focus: The theanine in Gyokuro tea boosts concentration and mental alertness.
Oral Health: Gyokuro green tea is rich in fluoride and minerals, which help clean and protect teeth from bacteria, plaque, and cavities.

5 How to Brew Gyokuro Tea

How to Brew Gyokuro Tea

To brew a delicious cup of Gyokuro tea, follow these steps:

Step 1 Rinse the teapot with boiling water and wait until the water temperature drops to 70 – 75°C (158 – 167°F).

Step 2 Rinse the tea cups with boiling water and let the temperature drop to 60 – 65°C (140 – 149°F).

Step 3 Place 7g of Gyokuro tea leaves into the teapot.

Step 4 Pour water at a temperature of 50 – 55°C (122 – 131°F) into the teapot and wait for 1 – 2 minutes to allow the tea to infuse properly.

You can use the same tea leaves for 2 – 3 infusions, increasing the water temperature and infusion time with each subsequent brew to maintain the initial flavor profile.

We hope that this article has provided you with valuable insights into Gyokuro tea, its history, benefits, and the proper way to brew it. Cheers to a healthier and more delightful tea experience!

Frequently asked questions

Gyokuro tea is a type of Japanese green tea that is shade-grown and has a unique, sweet flavor with a delicate aroma. It is considered a high-quality, premium tea and is often more expensive than other green teas.

Gyokuro tea plants are grown in the shade, usually under cover or in a shaded area, for about 20 days before harvesting. This process of shading increases the amino acid content, giving the tea its distinctive sweet flavor.

Gyokuro tea is known for its high antioxidant content, including catechins and flavonoids, which can provide various health benefits such as improved heart health, enhanced cognitive function, and a boost to the immune system.

To brew Gyokuro tea perfectly, use water at a temperature of around 140-158°F (60-70°C). For one teaspoon of tea leaves, use 2-3 ounces of water. Steep the leaves for about 2 minutes, and then gently stir. You can re-steep the leaves multiple times, increasing the steeping time by 15-30 seconds with each subsequent brew.

Remember to use the correct water temperature and leaf-to-water ratio. Gyokuro tea is more delicate than other green teas, so be careful not to overbrew it. It is also important to use fresh, high-quality water, and to preheat your teapot to ensure the water temperature remains consistent.