Gaba Gyokuro
Yabukita Organic

GABA Content

Through a special production process in which the tea leaves are stored directly after harvesting in the absence of oxygen, a significant amount of GABA is naturally produced in the leaves.

GABA, an important amino acid

The natural amino acid GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) is an important non-proteinogenic, endogenous amino acid.

GABA is found in varying amounts in certain foods and is also formed in the brain from glutamine. It is particularly abundant in: special green tea GABA tea (up to 400mg/100g), tomatoes (up to around 60mg), sprouted rice, certain fermented foods, potatoes (16-60mg), citrus fruits (10-23mg).

Special features in location, cultivation and processing

The tea farm in Kikugawa is located in Shizuoka Prefecture, nestled between the mountains to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south, near the historic Tokaido route that once connected Edo (modern-day Tokyo) with Kyoto. Kikugawa is known as the birthplace of deeply steamed Fukamushi Sencha. Along with its neighbouring region, Makinohara, tea cultivation in Kikugawa took root following the Meiji Restoration in 1868, when the establishment of a key port in Yokohama positioned tea as a vital export for the emerging Meiji state. With its ideal climate of abundant sunshine and ample rainfall, Shizuoka's forelands are considered the perfect terroir for cultivating robust, thriving tea plants.

Single Origin

This tea comes 100% from the above-mentioned tea field in Kikugawa, Shizuoka, sourced directly from the tea farm.

Organic Certification

Brewing Guide

Dosage: approx. 2 slightly heaped tsp. per 300ml of water

Water temperature: 70°C

Mild, relaxing brew: infusion time 1 minute
Strong, stimulating brew: infusion time 2 minutes

Packaging

Packed in a high-quality, airtight, BPA-free resealable zipper pouch to preserve flavour and prevent oxidation. After opening, press out as much air as possible when snapping shut. Alternatively place tea leaves in a stylish tea caddy.

Recommended Teapot

For GABA tea we recommend a Banko Kyusu made of purple clay with fine ceramic sieve, which emphasises the umami notes and makes the tea significantly less bitter. Alternatively, you can use a Black Tokoname Kyusu, which produces a more neutral flavour (an all-rounder for all types of green tea).

We find it very important that our teas are pure and produced in a way that respects the environment. For this reason, each one of our teas is tested for pesticide residues by an independent laboratory, the results of which can be found here. Some of our teas are also tested for specific nutritional compounds, in which case the test results are also published here.

Confirmation of analysis

See tests

Amino acids

See tests