OKUYUTAKA (Kabuse Sencha / Kyoto)
Sweetness (Umami): ★★★
Astringency: ★★
Color: ★★★
Color of tea water Left: 1st brew Right: 2nd brew
Okuyutaka single-origin tea leaves from Wazuka, Kyoto Prefecture.
It is said to be a rare breed with a short suitable harvesting period, which is about 6 days later than Yabukita, which is widely available in the market.
YUGEN's Okuyutaka is characterized by its refined and elegant aroma, as well as its robust umami and rich, mellow taste.
The first infusion, despite being a high-grade sencha, has a somewhat a warm and rich taste that brings back memories.
Even in the second infusion, the goodness of the richness remains, and you can feel the freshness contrary to the deep green color, and a warm and rich taste that brings back memories are more lively.
In addition, by increasing the temperature of the water after the third infusion, you can enjoy the familiar freshness and a mild bitterness that blends well with everyday life.
・About Kabusecha
Kabusecha is a Japanese green tea produced by covering the tea plants to block sunlight.This reduces the level of catechins—the compounds responsible for bitterness and astringency—and highlights the tea’s natural sweetness and umami.
Typically shaded for about one week—shorter than gyokuro’s 20 days—it is often described as a tea between sencha (standard green tea) and gyokuro (high-grade shaded tea), combining the mellow sweetness of gyokuro with the refreshing character of sencha.
【Characteristics of Wazuka Tea】
Located in the mountains of Kyoto, Wazuka has a history of more than 800 years as a tea-producing region, known for cultivating leaves of exceptional quality.
The area’s large temperature differences between day and night, together with frequent mist, soften direct sunlight and produce tea with a mellow taste and natural sweetness.
【 Tea Leaf Storage Instructions 】
・Store unopened tea in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity. For extended storage, keep it sealed, freeze, and let it return to room temperature before opening.
・After opening, place the tea in an airtight, opaque container and keep it in a cool, dark place. For best quality, enjoy as soon as possible, ideally within one month.
・Avoid storing near strongly scented items, as tea easily absorbs odors.
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【KATAKUCHI MATCHA BOWL】MATCHA BREWING KIT
Contents
◆ Katakuchi Matcha Bowl
◆ Takayama Chasen (Black Bamboo Whisk or White Bamboo Whisk)
◆ Chashaku (Smoked Bamboo or White Bamboo)
◆ Matcha #1 YUGEN Original Blend (30g)
How to brew delicious tea
【 Basic Measurements 】
・For 1 serving : 4-6g tea leaves / 100ml hot water
◆ First Brew
Water temperature : 50°C
Steeping time : 2 minutes
Point : Brewing slowly at a low temperature results in almost no bitterness or astringency, allowing the deep umami flavor to shine through.
◆ Second Brew
Water temperature : 60°C
Steeping time : 30 seconds
Point : Slightly increasing the temperature brings out a new layer of aroma and mild astringency, along with a gentle umami taste distinct from the first brew.
→UJIHIKARI (Gyokuro / Kyoto)
【 Basic Measurements 】
・For 1-2 servings : 5g tea leaves / 160ml hot water
・For 3-4 servings : 8g tea leaves / 300ml hot water
◆ First Brew
Water temperature : 85°C
Steeping time : 90 seconds
Point : Enjoy the signature aroma of sencha along with a refreshing bitterness and astringency, balanced by a gentle umami and subtle sweetness.
◆ Second Brew
Water temperature : 85°C
Steeping time : 20-30 seconds
Point : Slightly increasing the temperature enhances the astringency, offering a lighter, more refreshing taste compared to the first infusion.
◆ Third Brew
Water temperature : 95-100°C
Steeping time : 10 seconds
Point : A short steep with boiling water brings out a soft bitterness and astringency, creating a clean, mellow finish.
→ OKUMIDORI (SENCHA / KYOTO)
【 Basic Measurements 】
・For 1-2 servings : 5-6g tea leaves / 160ml hot water
・For 3-4 servings : 8-10g tea leaves / 300ml hot water
◆ First Brew
Water temperature : 65°C
Steeping time : 90 seconds
Point : Brewing at a lower temperature reduces bitterness and astringency, allowing you to fully enjoy kabusecha’s signature “covered aroma” (ooika) and its rich umami flavor.
◆ Second Brew
Water temperature : 85°C
Steeping time : 20-30 seconds
Point : Using hotter water brings out a slightly more astringent profile, offering a new dimension of flavor compared to the first brew.
◆ Third Brew
Water temperature : 95-100°C
Steeping time : 10 seconds
Point : A quick steep with boiling water draws out a gentle bitterness and clean astringency for a refreshing finish.
→GOKO (Kabuse Sencha / Kyoto)
