Product DNA
Gyokuro has a distinctive fragrance and sweetness, and a soothing umami flavor that stays with you, allowing you to savor it slowly. It’s best savored slowly while relaxing. Enjoy preparing it with different temperatures of water—boiling hot water, chilled water, or anything in between.
Gyokuro is rich in theanine-an amino acid responsible for Gyokuro’s full-bodied mellow sweetness and slighly viscous nature. In Japan, there is a special name to describe this peculiar taste: umami. Generally, the higher the grade, the richer the umami taste.
The concentrated umami can feel as though it had been squeezed out of freshly-picked tea leaves. To get all the umami, it is recommended to cool the water sufficiently after boiling.
While many teas are served hot and consumed as a means to quench a thirst, gyokuro is different. A typical serving is a precious 1/3 of a teacup at a very comfortable 60°C. Indeed, gyokuro’s refined luxurious taste is meant to be savored, not rushed.
About The Company
About Ippodo Tea
Ippodo’s origins date back three centuries to the year 1717, when Rihei Watanabe established a shop called Omiya to sell tea and ceramics. In 1846, the shop was renamed Ippodo, which literally means “preserve one.”
The name came from Prince Yamashina, who enjoyed Ippodo tea and wanted the shop to preserve one tradition: providing high quality tea. Ippodo continues to adapt as times change, but has remained devoted to high quality Japanese tea ever since.
Located in the heart of Kyoto, Ippodo Tea Co. has been providing the highest quality Japanese green tea for over 3 centuries. More than just a retailer, Ippodo is a multi-faceted tea company directly involved in the procurement and blending of carefully selected tea leaves. Their teas are of the finest class, cultivated in the lush fields of Kyoto and the surrounding area.
This region is renowned for producing the highest grade of green tea in Japan, thanks largely to its mild misty climate, mineral-rich soil and near-perfect balance of sunshine and rainfall. At Ippodo, they are committed not only to providing fine quality teas; they sincerely hope that they can become a source of tea inspiration to you!
Visit: Ippodo Tea Official Website
