Gyokuro Sample

$5.00
| /

Try a small size—about two servings—of our Gyokuro green tea. Click here to order regular retail sizes.

Gyokuro (“jade dew”) is a celebrated Japanese green tea perfect to enjoy on its own or paired with simple sweets. One of the world's most expensive teas—due to the high cost of its cultivation and market demand—the flavor has bittersweet notes of the ocean and spring greens, and a unique mouthful rich in umami.

This style of tea was first cultivated in the 1800s in Uji Prefecture, which is where ours is produced. After the first buds appear in the early spring, the tea bushes are shielded from the sun a few weeks before harvest. This shading inhibits the formation of catechins (notably tannin), which are responsible for the astringent taste of tea grown in uncovered fields; it also enhances the production of theanine, the source of tea’s natural sweetness and rich, full flavor. Once picked, the leaves are steamed, twisted, dried and left to mature for six months.

The resulting deep emerald color and distinctive flavor of this tea yield particularly smooth cup, with a texture that lingers long after the last sip. Experiment with brewing temperature for this showstopper, but be sure to keep it low, around 120°–140° F; Gyokuro can also be brewed with cold water.

Country: Japan
Tasting Notes: buttery, artichoke heart, sweet

Approximately two servings

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Brew temperature   120-140º F

Western style brewing   6-8 grams, 2-3 minute steep

Customer Reviews

Based on 3 reviews
33%
(1)
67%
(2)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
N
Nada K.
Excellent tea!

A very satisfying tea! Delicious!

R
Richard G.
High Quality, Unique and Sophisticated

This tea is perhaps not for the uninitiated. Brewed properly there is initially an elegant, hint of sweet melon/pepper/ivy tone that is very pleasant. However, steep it for just a little longer than "normal" and this is a very powerful, vegetal flavor that while not unpleasant is heavy, thick and almost chewy "green" tones. Good but not for everyone.

R
Richard M.
What a Surprise: I Really Like a Green

This Gyokuro changed my mind about green tea--at least at the very top end of Japanese naming conventions. First it tastes like tea & fairly strong. It was great with rice bean cake sweets--mochi.

Customer Reviews

Based on 3 reviews
33%
(1)
67%
(2)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
N
Nada K.
Excellent tea!

A very satisfying tea! Delicious!

R
Richard G.
High Quality, Unique and Sophisticated

This tea is perhaps not for the uninitiated. Brewed properly there is initially an elegant, hint of sweet melon/pepper/ivy tone that is very pleasant. However, steep it for just a little longer than "normal" and this is a very powerful, vegetal flavor that while not unpleasant is heavy, thick and almost chewy "green" tones. Good but not for everyone.

R
Richard M.
What a Surprise: I Really Like a Green

This Gyokuro changed my mind about green tea--at least at the very top end of Japanese naming conventions. First it tastes like tea & fairly strong. It was great with rice bean cake sweets--mochi.