Discovered by Leo during his 2024 tea trip to Japan, this Nagasaki Organic Saemidori Tamaryokucha is a rare and exceptional find, available in extremely limited quantities. Grown on a small, specialized organic farm in the Sonogi area of Nagasaki, this tea offers a rich and distinctive flavor profile with sweet notes of edamame and butternut squash. It has a medium body and deep umami that lingers on the tongue, finishing with a refreshing minty note.
What is Tamaryokucha?
Tamaryokucha, also known as "curly tea," differs from Sencha in its processing; while Sencha leaves are rolled into needle shapes, Tamaryokucha leaves are gently curled, resulting in a rounder, softer flavor with less astringency.
Nagasaki’s Renowned Sonogi Region
The Sonogi region in Nagasaki is renowned for producing high-quality Tamaryokucha. The slight differences in terroir between these neighboring regions give each tea a unique character, with Nagasaki’s Saemidori Tamaryokucha offering a richer, more vegetal profile.
Flavor Profile and Brewing Instructions
This tea delivers a sweet and umami-rich experience, with the flavors of edamame and butternut squash coming through clearly. The medium body and lingering umami notes provide a comforting mouthfeel, and the tea finishes with a refreshing, almost minty aftertaste.
Tasting Notes
Upon the first sip, you'll be greeted by a smooth, sweet edamame flavor that evolves into a rich, buttery butternut squash note. The medium body allows the tea to coat the palate with a luxurious, velvety texture, while the lingering umami adds depth and complexity. As the flavors settle, a subtle minty freshness emerges, leaving a clean and invigorating finish that invites you to take another sip.
For the best experience, brew 5 grams of this tea in 200ml of water at 165°F for 90 seconds on the first infusion, followed by 175°F for 30 seconds on the second infusion. This tea can be enjoyed for up to three infusions, each revealing new layers of its complex and delightful taste.
