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Kamairicha Ichoka Sofu (30g)
$12.00
Region: Tokunoshima, Kagoshima (Japan)
Process: Withered and Pan-Fried Green Tea. First Flush.
Cultivar: Sofu
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Process: Withered and Pan-Fried Green Tea. First Flush.
Cultivar: Sofu
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- Tokunoshima is a volcanic island in Kagoshima prefecture, situated on the southern tip of Japan.
- Covered in mountain peaks and rolling hills, the island has a mild, subtropical climate alternating between warm summer and cool winter.
- The island's cuisine is one of the healthiest in the world.
- Cultivation Notes:
- Kamairicha Ichoka Sofu is a rare and unusual green tea, yet very popular among tea connoisseurs due to its unique aroma and silky smooth mouthfeel.
- Sofu is the result of the cross-breeding between Yabukita flower or seed, and the Inzatsu 131 pollen. Sofu inherits its robustness from its Yabukita mother, and a unique aromatic molecule called methyl anthranilate from its Inzatsu 131 father.
- Tokunoshima 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 Tokunoshima, that favorable environmental conditions converge to enable the genetic traits of Sofu 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:
- Immediately after harvest, the tea leaves are wilted (Ichoka). The goal of this step is to develop and enhance the aromatic compound inherent in the tea leaves. This apparently simple step is actually quite intricate and requires a high level of skill and experience. A faux-pas or snafu during this stage is irreparable and will result in tea that smells and tastes moldy.
- Kamairi, or 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 tea, you will find Sencha Sofu delightful because of its distinctive jasmine-like aroma.
- The process of pan-frying yields a slightly roasted flavor reminiscent of a Chinese green tea or a Taiwanese green oolong [hevivo.com/store/products/qing-xin-li-shan-oolong]
- Complex floral notes of jasmine with hint of citrus - orange and grapefruit is the unique expression of the aromatic molecule methyl anthranilate. These notes are more pronounced than that of Sencha Sofu [https://www.chevivo.com/store/products/asamushi-sencha-sofu].
- 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 Sencha Sofu around your noon time in order to be able to have a restful night of sleep.
