Japan's best green tea made from single buds picked only in April/May. To increase chlorophyll (and dark green color) and reduce tannin (for a sweeter flavor with no bitterness), Gyokuro is shaded for 3 weeks in early spring. The leaves are small and extremely fragrant and tender. It's a full flavored tea with a satisfying light, refreshing character and a pleasantly vegetative flavor with some briskness and a very bright infusion. Gyokuro has been referred to as 'history, philosophy and art in a single cup.' This is the best green tea of Japan. While Gyokuro contains less catechin it has the highest content of L-theanine of any leaf tea, rivaled only by the powdered green tea known as Matcha. Please note we recently upgraded our Gyokuro and are now selling 2oz. sizes rather than 3.5 oz. to keep it priced reasonably

L-theanine is linked to increased alpha brain wave production and is considered a natural antidepressant and stress reliever. Japanese studies link consumption of L-theanine with strengthening the immune system. L-theanine is often added to energy drinks and is known to give a 6-hour sustainable energy boost.

Mass Market teas typically have a 5-6% antioxidant level. This tea has a high antioxidant level of 7.65%.

Click here for an organic version of this tea

Hot Tea:
- Boil water and let cool to 178F/80C
- Steep for 40 seconds
- Use approx. 2 tsp per cup
- To re-infuse use higher temperature/less time