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Kabusecha
Kinezuka Organic

Name: Organic Kabusecha Kinezuka
SKU: 4802-bio
Price: 26.90 EUR
Availability: InStock

Contest Grade 99 P.

SKU

4802-bio

Organic contest grade kabusecha from an exceptional farm in Shizuoka. 1st harvest, hand-picked, yabukita and yama no ibuki cultivars. Shaded for 20 days. 50g

Top terroir in Shizuoka, at the foot of Mt. Fuji
Especially natural cultivation methods
All members of farmers' collective pursue natural cultivation
Pesticide-free cultivation since 1976
Certified organic since 2016

Character	Straightforward, pronounced bitterness, very refreshing, well-balanced, vegetal bitter notes
Tea Garden	Respected family-owned business of the Kinezukas, in its 2nd generation
Terroir	Setonoya, Fujieda, Shizuoka, Japan
Harvest	1st harvest (ichibancha), mid-May, 2023
Cultivar	Yabukita 60%, Yamanoibuki 40%
Elevation	200-400m above sea level
Steaming	Short (asamushi, approximately 30-45 seconds)
Shading	Shaded for 20 days. Shading technique: jikagise
Organic Cert.	EU certified organic, JAS organic (2016), organic cultivation since 1976
Laboratory Tests	Radioactivity
Grade	99/100 P. (kabusecha category); Contest Grade

In stock

The Kinezuka Tea Garden is renowned for its exceptionally stringent adherence to natural and organic cultivation methods. While we source our teas directly from Mr. Kinezuka's farm, the region boasts other reputable JAS organic teas, in part as a result of the cooperative that Mr. Kinezuka founded in 1976 with other tea farmers from the Fujieda region. This cooperative is committed to the cultivation of the finest organic teas, and there are currently at least 26 farms in Fujieda that have joined. These farmers not only work together to improve their organic cultivation methods, but to further an integrated regional organic system under the name "Human, Agriculture, Nature".

Flavour

The very best organic kabusecha that we have been able to find. An extremely expressive half-shaded tea with all the finest qualities one would expect from a choice Shizuoka tea. The flavour is straightforward and well-balanced, with a complex underlying bitterness. Green vegetal notes in combination with natural caffeine lend this tea an invigorating and refreshing character.

Leaf

Delicate, long dark green needles

Cup

Vibrant yellow

Kabuse (Japanese: 冠茶) literally means "covered" and refers to the shade given to this noble green tea before its harvest. The Kabuse cultivation technique was developed around the same time as that of the fully shaded Gyokuro, which, together with Matcha, is Japan's most noble and expensive green tea variety. The process for making Kabusecha is therefore much the same as for Gyokuro, differing only in the length and type of shading: Kabuse tea is usually shaded for only half as long and with greater light allowance. Both teas are then steamed and rolled like Sencha. The leaves of the 1st harvest are used for Kabusecha, although a few teas are also made from the 2nd harvest.

We go to great lengths to identify the finest organic tea farms across the world’s most celebrated terroirs. All our teas are sourced directly from the farmer and, with a few exceptions, are certified organic or come from pesticide-free farms. Each batch of tea for every harvest is tested for pesticides and other pollutants in an independent German lab to ensure they meet our strict quality standards as well as HACCP food safety requirements. Likewise, the regions of Japan from which we source our teas are tested for radioactivity for every harvest.

Premium Organic Teas

Our comprehensive portfolio focuses on organic, single-origin teas sourced directly from renowned farms. We believe in creating partnerships with farmers who share our values and are committed to sustainable, responsible tea cultivation. Thanks to these strong relationships our exciting range is constantly growing and evolving. As an international team of dedicated and passionate tea experts, we are committed to preserving centuries-old tea culture while ensuring it remains relevant and continues to bring joy in the present. About Yoshi En.

Cultivation & Processing

The tea farm is located in the idyllic mountain above Fujieda, near the town of Nakayama. The farm is known for its exemplary and exceptionally strict organic standards. In addition to particularly natural and robust teas including sencha, kabusecha, bancha and hojicha, this farm also produces excellent organic rice, fruits and vegetables. The farm is also known for its mikan (Japanese mandarins).

Single Origin

This tea is exclusively sourced from the above mentioned tea farm in Fujieda (Shizuoka). Sourced directly from the tea farmer, Mr. Kinezuka.

Organic Certification

Preparation

Brewing Guide

2 heaped tsp per 100-300ml (60°C) water. Steep for 2 minutes. Suitable for several infusions.

Packaging

High quality, airtight, resealable standing zipper pouch with 9 protective layers to preserve flavour and protect against oxidation and contamination.

Recommended Teapot

The ideal teapot for this tea is a vintage Banko kyusu made from 100% violet banko clay. This clay, when transformed into a teapot and fired via a reduction firing process, brings out the nuanced flavour of the gyokuro that is shaped by its amino acids, chlorophyll, and other special compounds. Vintage kyusu from 1990 or earlier likely consist of 100% violet clay from the Banko region. Modern violet Banko kyusu with a fine ceramic strainer are, however, also suitable for making gyokuro.

Recommended Storage

The ideal tea caddy for this tea is one made from high-quality cherry wood (kabazaiku chazutsu; solid wood) or, alternatively, a more affordable airtight, double-coated tea caddy.

Kabusecha
Kinezuka Organic

Tea Farm