NEW Tsuyuhikari Sencha; Hioki, Kagoshima Prefecture, 50g. Naturally grown. - 2025 SHINCHA

Tsuyuhikari Sencha - 2025 Shincha (New Harvest Tea). Naturally grown with no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
Origin: Hioki, Kagoshima Prefecture
Cultivar: Tsuyuhikari

This naturally grown Sencha infuses to a golden-green color, has a light dashi aroma, and medium body. The flavor notes I pick up are forward with dashi-like umami (savory) and amami (sweet) notes of honeydew melon. It drinks very smooth with a light shibumi (astringent) finish. It has a really good balance of shibumi (astringency) and amami (sweetness).

The city of Hioki is on the western coast of Kagoshima, facing out towards the East China Sea. It is a recently formed city created by the mergers of the small towns of Fukiage, Higashiichiki, Hiyoshi, and Ijuuin. Tea farmers there grow a variety of cultivars, including this fine example of Tsuyuhikari.