Sencha - Pure

Jiro Katahira from Houkouen recommends this Pure sencha to TGL's customers, as it vividly reflects his philosophy on tea cultivation. Carefully blending several cultivars, he has crafted a tea that captures the balanced and distinctive flavors of Shizuoka.

This Pure sencha is made from harvesting outdoor-grown Mirume, small buds with one stem and two leaves. It is from these buds that the tea inherits its characteristic umami flavor. Made from an exclusive blend of early-ripening tea varieties, the result is a tea that tastes of spring itself. This tea can be enjoyed hot or cold.

In the heart of Shizuoka at an elevation of 350 meters, Houkouen Tea Farm sits on the lush, green mountains of Ryogouchi. Over 20 varieties of tea are cultivated and processed on these steep tea fields, where Mount Fuji can be seen in the distance. At Houkouen, their philosophy is simple: they pay respect to the tea and let it follow its natural course without unnecessary human interference. This is to create teas that are truly a product of nature. 

What sets Houkouen's tea apart is its distinctive fragrant aromas, unique to the mountainous areas of Shizuoka, that are challenging to replicate.

Houkouen's tea is carefully cultivated in nutrient-rich soil, with minimal pesticide and without over-fertilization, allowing natural umami and aroma development in their tea.  Adhering to the wisdom of their ancestors that "crops thrive on the sound of footsteps," Houkouen farmers tend to their fields with great care. Whether everyday or specialty teas, Houkouen meticulously crafts and delivers high quality Japanese tea to all tea enthusiasts.

Location: Ryogochi, Shizuoka
Taste Profile: Balanced
Cultivar: Blended (Saemidori, Nanmei, Haruna29)
Steaming Level : Light (Asamushi)

Umami: ◾◾◾◾
Sweetness: ◾◾◾
Astringency: ◾◾
Aroma: ◾◾◾◾◾

Best for : Exploring the authentic fragrance and aroma of Shizuoka tea. This is Houkouen's recommendation for TGL customers.

How to brew:
- Boil 100ml of water and pour into teapot and teacups to warm them
- Once water has cooled to 140ºF, discard from teapot 
- Add 8g of tea leaves into teapot and gently pour in hot water
- Cover teapot and let steep for 60 seconds
- Discard water from teacups
- Gently pour from teapot with minimal shaking to avoid unpleasant flavors being released

For second brew:
- Steep tea in 120ml of water at 167º for 20 seconds
- Enjoy the change in taste and aroma with each brew

Best by date: 12 months (unopened)

80g