Sencha - Shizu 7132 (Single Origin)

This Shizu 7132 single origin sencha has a sweet, sugary taste followed by a strong cherry blossom scent. Soft with deep flavor, this tea balances sweetness with a refreshing aftertaste and tends to be popular among young women in Japan. The young buds are a light red color and paint the entire tea field in a wash of pale pink. This cultivar is native to Shizuoka where it is commonly known as Machiko. 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: Shizu 7132 (Yabukita natural hybrid seedling)
Steaming Level : Light (Asamushi)

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Best for: Taking a calming afternoon break between work or study to relax and unwind, with the comforting nutty aroma and umami.

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