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Kamairicha Fujikaori (30g)
$12.00
Region: Saga
Process: Pan-Fried Green Tea. First Flush.
Cultivar: Fujikaori
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Process: Pan-Fried Green Tea. First Flush.
Cultivar: Fujikaori
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- Saga, located on the northwest corner of the island of Kyushu, is a high elevation volcanic region.
- Past eruption endowed the region with layers of deep and rich mineral soil.
- The mild and temperate subtropical climate is conducive to many agriculture crops, including tea. In fact, the oldest and largest wild tea tree is said to be found in Saga.
- Cultivation Notes:
- Kamairicha Fujikaori is a rare and unusual green tea, yet very popular among tea connoisseurs due to its unique aroma and silky smooth mouthfeel.
- Fujikaori is the result of the cross-breeding between Inzatsu131 flower/seed and Yabukita pollen. [Interestingly, Fujikaori is the reverse of the Sofu cultivar, which is the cross breeding of Yabukita flower/seed and the Inzatsu 131 pollen]. Thus, Fujihikari inherits its robustness from its Yabukita father, and a unique aromatic molecule called methyl anthranilate from its Inzatsu 131 mother.
- Saga fertile volcanic soil and ideal climate allows for the tea plants to thrive without needing any synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. It is here, on the subtropical volcanic mountain of Saga, that favorable environmental conditions converge to enable the genetic traits of Fujihikari to fully express themselves.
- The first flush is harvested in the early days of spring, when the weather is still cool and balmy, and the tea fields are bug-free.
- Processing Notes:
- In Saga, pan-frying has been the prevalent method processing tea leaves upon harvest since the 1400. It is still practiced by a few skilled tea masters in this region to this day.
- Pan-frying at high heat for a short time effectively stops enzymatic oxidation of the leaves while preserving their aromatic characteristic .
- Tasting Notes:
- If you like Darjeeling, Chinese Green tea, or Taiwanese Green Oolong [Lishan Spring Oolong link], you will find Kamairicha Fujikaori delightful.
- The process of pan-frying yields a slightly roasted flavor reminiscent of a Chinese green tea or a Taiwanese green oolong.
- Complex floral notes of jasmine with hint of citrus - orange and grapefruit is the unique expression of the aromatic molecule methyl anthranilate.
- You might be interested in tasting Kamairicha Fujikaori along side of Sencha Sofu [Sencha Sofu link], or Kamairicha Ichoka Sofu [Kamaricha Ichoka Sofu] to experience the differences among "cousin teas" and as well as the effect different ways of processing on a particular cultivar.
- A very light tannic touch of astringency balances out its subtle umami and sweet notes, making this tea very refreshing.
- Caffeine level: Medium. If you are sensitive to caffeine, we recommend that you enjoy your last serving of Kamairicha Fujikaori around your noon time in order to be able to have a restful night of sleep.
