Okumidori (Sencha / Wazuka, Kyoto)

Okumidori is a tea cultivar known for its pleasant astringency and vibrant aroma. At YUGEN, we cultivate it into tea leaves where a crisp astringency and profound sweetness are well-balanced, creating a refined and tranquil taste. With the second infusion, the flavor gently transforms, revealing a mellow sweetness within the astringency. The clear, verdant liquor is also beautiful, offering a visually soothing cup. Its depth, characteristic of high-quality tea leaves, allows you to enjoy its nuances by varying the temperature and steeping time. It pairs exceptionally well with food and is favored in Kyoto's fine dining establishments. ============================================ **800 Years of History and Morning Mist: Tea from Wazuka, Kyoto** Wazuka Town, located in the southern part of Kyoto Prefecture, boasts a tea-making tradition passed down for 800 years. It is a premier tea-producing region, highly acclaimed for the taste, aroma, and appearance of its tea leaves, which are meticulously shaped like fine needles. As a basin surrounded by mountains, Wazuka experiences significant temperature differences between day and night. Deep morning mists frequently blanket the tea fields. This mist does more than just create beautiful scenery; it acts as a "natural umbrella" for the tea leaves. Amino acids, the source of tea's umami and sweetness, tend to convert into components that cause bitterness and astringency when exposed to excessive sunlight. However, in Wazuka, the morning mist envelops the tea fields, gently diffusing direct sunlight. This preserves the umami within the tea leaves. The temperature variations created by the terrain and the resulting morning mist—Wazuka's unique natural environment—cultivate a cup that is mellow, rich in umami, and low in astringency. ============================================ **[Tea Leaf Storage Instructions]** ・Unopened tea leaves should be stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and high humidity. For long-term storage, seal them tightly and freeze. To maintain quality, allow them to return to room temperature before opening. ・Once opened, transfer the tea leaves to an airtight, light-blocking container. Store in a cool, dark place and consume as soon as possible (within one month is recommended). Tea easily absorbs odors, so avoid storing it near strongly scented items.