Kagoshima Organic Asanoka Kabusecha

Wow, this new Kabuse version of Asanoka sencha is so sweet! The first impression of sipping this version of Asanoka is just the overwhelmingly juicy sweetness. We are truly impressed. If you're not familiar with the word Kabuse, kabuse means cover - it means that the tea is covered for a short period during growth to help increase the green color. 

Kabuse Technique: In Japanese, 'Kabuse' translates to 'covering', a traditional method in Japanese tea cultivation where tea plants are shaded for a period before harvesting. Almost all super premium Japanese teas are normally shaded, example is tea like top grade sencha, gyokuro, and ceremonial grade matcha.

The shading process begins around 2-3 weeks before harvesting, where the tea plants are covered with a special material to block out sunlight. This delicate balance of light and shade allows the tea leaves to develop more slowly and evenly, resulting in a smoother and richer flavor. 

This meticulous process enhances the leaves' chlorophyll level, enriching the flavor profile and imbuing the tea with a vibrant, lush green color. The result is a tea that boasts a striking balance of sweetness, umami and depth, offering an unparalleled sipping experience.

Brewing Suggestions:

Heat your water to 140ºF (60ºC) and steep 5g of tea leaves in 150ml of water. Allow it to infuse for 2 minutes before savoring the initial sip, and you'll experience a delightful sweet and satisfying flavor profile. For a second infusion, steep the tea at 165ºF (74ºC) for 30 seconds to unlock a more nuanced, grassy, and umami taste with added complexity.