Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Green
Where to Buy: Yunomi
Tea Description:
The Morita family’s quality sencha is a result of 10 generations of tea farming. Like their premium sencha (but with smaller leaves), this Sayama region green tea is can be steeped to be very astringent with a touch of umami (savoriness) using hot water, or with a great balance between astringency (shibumi) and umami savoriness using warm water.
The Morita family are 10th generation tea farmers, and the eldest son (pictured above) has just decided to become the 11th generation. He is currently studying under ObubuTea.com’s president Akihiro Kita in Wazuka, Kyoto.
Located in the Sayama region of Saitama Prefecture, the Morita family was affected by the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant failure in March, 2011. While their tea is tested to be radiation free (test results available), Sayama-cha is being avoided by vendors. We hope to help out the Morita family by connecting them with tea lovers around the world.
On behalf of the Morita family, we greatly appreciate your understanding and trust that the tea provided here is completely safe.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
The leaves of this Morita Sayama Sencha from Yunomi and the Morita family are indeed very fine. You will need a better steeping apparatus than I have to keep all of the small leaves within it, but I worked it out. The leaves may be fine, but they are not lacking in flavor whatsoever.
I have to say this is one of the freshest cups of sencha I have experienced to date. The taste of this tea reminds me of the aroma of fresh cut grass in the summertime. The flavor is so natural, and in a way light and refreshing, yet the body is so deep and complex that I can’t decide which way to describe it. Can it possibly be both light and rich at the same time? Indeed it can!
There is also a lovely butteriness to the tea that I absolutely love, crave in green teas, many lack this quality, but Morita Sayama Sencha has it in spades! A nice nuttiness comes over on the palate like a wave, and lingers long after the tea has flowed like silk into my belly. Prior to sipping this tea I was feeling rather a bit queasy and was about to steep some puerh to settle my tummy, but I knew I had this tea to review so I picked it up instead. I am glad that I did because it has not only settled my tummy but I have found a new green tea love!
I would absolutely order more of this tea and am happy to have discovered Yunomi! I think it is wonderful that they support small tea farmers in Japan and are supporters of Tsunami Recovery.
I am also in love with their tea selection and selection of other items from tea ware, to tea candy, fashions, furnishings, and so much more! I will be stalking their website until I can afford a hefty order with them!
Organic Gyokuro from Aiya
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Green
Where to Buy: Aiya
Tea Description:
Organic Gyokuro is one of the rarest teas in the world. Aiya has exclusive experience working with Japanese farmers to achieve this high-level of Gyokuro which meets international organic standards. Fresh shade grown leaves are carefully handpicked to maximize Gyokuro’s natural sweetness.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
Organic Gyokuro from Aiya tea is truly a tea to experience. There is a velvety feel in the mouth when sipping this Gyokuro from Aiya. I love grassy teas, this is a true vegetal delight without being too heavy, yet its not so light that you need to search for the flavors.
The vegetal notes are similar to steamed spinach, a little on the sea-weed side, I get kelp in that aspect. It is lightly buttery, but more creamy than buttery. It has a soothing quality that reminds me of the feeling I get when I eat oatmeal, but it tastes nothing like oatmeal. It just has that warm feeling, like a comfort food, this is a comfort tea.
I feel very centered and balanced when I sip this tea, and it makes me feel like I am doing something really wonderful for my body, and mind. Gyokuro is known for its balance of sweet and bitter, even when steeped properly there is a slight astringency in the sip. Yet, it is sweet as well, which brings this perfect harmony to the cup. Its the perfect balance indeed.
Interestingly there is a long lingering flavor left on the palate that is reminiscent of roses. Overall it is very green tasting, but I do love this lasting floral note.
There is just something special about Japanese Green Tea, something that only high quality companies that have high standards can bring us as tea lovers. Aiya brings us some of the best examples of excellent Japanese Green Tea.