Okuyame Sencha: A Sweet and Umami-Rich Japanese Green Tea
Okuyame Sencha, crafted in Yame City of Fukuoka Prefecture, is a first-harvest tea from April 2024. It is made using a blend of cultivars, predominantly Yabukita and Tsuyuhikari, grown at an elevation of 200m. Yabukita, the most famous Japanese tea cultivar, accounts for nearly two-thirds of Japan’s tea production due to its high yield, early germination, and resilience to environmental challenges.
This Sencha combines intense grassy-floral aromas, a nutty touch, and a mellow, sweet flavor profile, making it a quintessential representation of Yame’s tea-growing excellence.
Description
Leaf Appearance and Aroma
- Leaves: Thin, green fragments of twisted leaves, showcasing the craftsmanship of Japanese Sencha.
- Dry Aroma: Intensive, with grassy-floral notes and a hint of nuttiness.
- Heated Leaves: Enhanced kombu and nutty aromas emerge.
- Wet Leaves: Between infusions, the bouquet shifts to reveal aromas of green grapes, mango, and fresh legumes like sweet peas.
Liquor
- Appearance: Transparent, with a bright yellowish-green hue.
- Bouquet: Fresh, grassy-floral with a pronounced nutty note.
- Fragrance: Intense and inviting.
Flavor Profile
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Taste:
- Full-bodied, mellow, oily, and sweet, with a consistent, leguminous character.
- A delicate bitterness adds depth, while the lingering aftertaste leaves a refreshing finish.
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Aromas:
- Grassy-floral notes dominate, with hints of kombu, mango, and peanuts.
- Subtle sweetness reminiscent of honey rounds out the profile.
Tea Details
- Origin: Yame, Fukuoka Prefecture
- Harvest: First flush, April 2024
- Elevation: 200m
- Cultivar: Blend, primarily Yabukita and Tsuyuhikari
Brewing Instructions
Western Brewing
- Temperature: 75°C
- Tea-to-Water Ratio: 5g per 250ml
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Steeping Times:
- First infusion: 1–1.5 minutes
- Second infusion: 20–30 seconds
- Third infusion: 2 minutes
100ml Brewing
- Temperature: 75°C
- Tea-to-Water Ratio: 4g per 100ml
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Steeping Process:
- First Infusion: Brew for 40–50 seconds.
- Second Infusion: Brew for 15 seconds.
- Subsequent Infusions: Add 10 seconds for each additional steeping.
Brewing Notes
For Japanese green teas, pour the infusion through a strainer to ensure a smooth and clean cup.
Why Choose Okuyame Sencha?
With its sweet, umami-rich flavor and vibrant grassy-floral aromas, Okuyame Sencha is a standout choice for green tea enthusiasts. Its use of the Yabukita cultivar, prized for its balance and productivity, ensures a full-bodied yet delicate experience.