Description
Yutakamidori WaKoucha (Japanese Black Tea). 2024 Shincha (New Harvest Tea). Naturally grown with no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
Origin: Yakushima, Kagoshima Prefecture.
Cultivar: Yutakamidori
Japanese Black Tea, or WaKoucha (literally "red tea,") is not nearly as well-known as Japanese Green Tea, even though black tea has been produced in Japan since the late 1800's as an export item to Europe and the United States. The Yutakamidori ("Abundant Green") varietal is popular in Kagoshima Prefecture's warmer climate for green tea production. This black tea from Yakushima makes good use of it as well. It infuses to a light brick red color, gradually turning to a dark amber color in latter infusions. It has a smooth and mellow mouth feel with a woodsy-citrus aroma. Flavor notes are caramel, plus a hint of citrus with astringency more prominent in the first infusion but sweetness developing more with each sip and infusion. Drinking straight, hot or iced, is recommended, but it can also stand up to a little milk or sugar. We hope you will enjoy this unique Japanese tea.
Yakushima Island's relative isolation about 65 km off Kyushu has recently encouraged many tea growers there to practice natural farming methods. Much of Yakushima Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, well known for its ancient forests that are home to old growth (some 1,000 - 4,000 years old!) sugi (cryptomeria) trees, as well as Rhododendron, and the rare Yakushima White Pine. The island is also home to the largest nesting ground in the North Pacific for the endangered Loggerhead Sea Turtle. It is truly a magical place, and we are pleased to be able to offer Yakushima tea as an naturally grown option to our customers.