Description
Saemidori Fukamushi Sencha; Ei, Kagoshima, Naturally Grown with no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides - 2024 Shincha (New Harvest Tea).
Origin: Ei, Kagoshima Prefecture
Cultivar: Saemidori
Fukamushi (literally "deep steamed") teas are steamed for a longer period of time than usual during the initial processing to arrest oxidation. The result is a tea with lower astringency, caffeine content, and a darker color. This Naturally Grown Saemidori varietal infuses to a nice medium green color, with a mild marine air aroma. The tea is very smooth with good body, and a good balance of mostly amami (sweetness) and a slight finish of shibumi (astringency.)
The town of Ei, in the former county of Ibusuki in southern Kagoshima Prefecture, was combined with the towns of Chiran and Kawanabe in 2007 to make the new city of Minamikyushu. All three towns are noted tea growing regions, but Ei Sencha has often been compared to Gyokuro for the tea's reputation of being exceptionally smooth and mellow.