A rare Japanese tea cultivar (Koshun) that has been refined for those who like to explore Japanese green teas and would like to try a new expression of Sencha. Grown in Kosetto, Honyama in Shizuoka by Massaki Mori San at his family tea garden, this Sencha is picked very early in the spring season. Lightly steamed, the resulting leaves create an infusion rich with complex, intense umami, with bright notes of wildflower, and deep green vegetables like broccoli and kale.

Origin

The area of Honyama is a traditional area for cultivating Japanese green teas, not far from the Abe and Warashina rivers, and where wild deer and racoons roam. Low grown on mountain slopes, the microclimate is ideal for encouraging complexity in the tea bushes: cooler temperatures, less sunlight, mists arising from the rivers... these all contribute to the final flavour profile. The Koshun cultivar was registered in the early 2000s and has been refined to produce Sencha teas that have outstanding umami depths, and stunning wildflower notes, akin to the warm fragrance of jasmine.

Cultivation

Koshun, usually grown for Gyokuro production, provides an early first flush yield and tea master Masaaki Mori San will pick these at the very beginning of May before lightly steaming and rolling the leaves. At his tea gardens, he grows a small handful of different cultivars for making Sencha, and each comes with their own unique expression. Comparatively, the Honyama Sencha Koshun is rich and vegetal, whereas our Honyama Sencha Yabukita is floral with notes of young bamboo, and our Honyama Sencha Okimidori is balanced and fresh, like a honeydew melon or new tomato leaves. Why not try them all in one sitting to really understand how the nuances of cultivar can influence flavour profiles?

Effects

First harvest Sencha teas are rich in minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids that promote overall health, providing immune support, enhancing brain function, and protecting cells.

How to Enjoy

Sencha pairs beautifully with grilled fish, fresh salads, and rice dishes. It's the perfect companion for a light lunch or an early evening meal.