Hashiri Shincha 2024
Yutakamidori Pest.Free

Super Premium 95 P.

SKU
4778
The very first shincha of the year 2024. Grown without the use of plant protection products on the southern Pacific island of Yakushima, Japan. Noble Yutakamidori cultivar, harvested on 03/04/2024. 80g
  • Teas from the Yutakamidori cultivar are also excellent when prepared as a cold brew
  • The tea plants benefit from the clear air and water in one of the rainiest places in the world
Character Minty and fresh, very present fine bitterness, grassy sweetness and an elegant herbal spiciness like nettles
Tea Garden Yakushima Tobucha farmer collective
Terroir Anbo, Yakushima, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan
Harvest 1st harvest (ichibancha): April 3rd, 2024
Cultivar Yutakamidori
Elevation 108m above sea level
Steaming Short (asamushi, 35 seconds)
Organic Cert. Cultivated without the use of plant protection products
Laboratory Tests Radioactivity (region as of 04/2023)
Grade 95/100 p. (shincha category); Super Premium
€15.50
80g
Bundle -5%

Delivery : 1–3 business days

Incl. VAT, excl. Shipping

SKU
4778
€193.75 / 1kg
In stock

Tea Farm

The tea fields of the Yakushima Tobucha farmers' collective are located in Anbo, in the very eastern part of Yakushima Island. It is a region abundant with crystal-clear mountain water owing to the Anbogawa River, which originates directly in the Yakushima cedar mountains. The tea fields are located close to the ocean, allowing the fresh sea breeze to circulate through them. The teas are grown entirely without the use of artificial pesticides.

Character

Flavour

A minty-fresh and at the same time very light shincha from the rich cultivar Yutakamidori. The pronounced, very refreshing noble bitterness is particularly apparent at the beginning and transitions gradually into a light umami flavour. The taste is rounded off by a vegetal sweetness and a herbaceous flavour of nettles. This tea is also suitable for preparation as mizudashi. Due to the distinct bitterness of the 2024 harvest, we recommend using a little less tea leaf for preparation (approx. 5g for 150ml is ideal).

Leaf

Relatively short, juicy green needles

Cup

Especially vibrant, yellowish green

Shincha 2024

Shincha, which translates from Japanese as "new tea", marks the start of the tea season in Japan and is eagerly awaited every year. For the Japanese tea world, it is considered the highest quality tea of the current season and embodies the perfect freshness of Japanese green teas thanks to its extensive aroma spectrum. Only the tea buds and young leaves, the first shoots of spring, are harvested. Their wealth of valuable nutrients is decisive for the unmistakable freshness and strength that makes shincha so exceptional. Small harvest quantities and high demand make this special first harvest a highly limited, seasonal tea.

Laboratory Tests

We go to great lengths to identify the finest organic tea farms across the world’s most celebrated terroirs. All our teas are sourced directly from the farmer and, with a few exceptions, are certified organic or come from pesticide-free farms. Each batch of tea for every harvest is tested for pesticides and other pollutants in an independent German lab to ensure they meet our strict quality standards as well as HACCP food safety requirements. Likewise, the regions of Japan from which we source our teas are tested for radioactivity for every harvest.

Yoshi En

Premium Organic Teas

Our comprehensive portfolio focuses on organic, single-origin teas sourced directly from renowned farms. We believe in creating partnerships with farmers who share our values and are committed to sustainable, responsible tea cultivation. Thanks to these strong relationships our exciting range is constantly growing and evolving. As an international team of dedicated and passionate tea experts, we are committed to preserving centuries-old tea culture while ensuring it remains relevant and continues to bring joy in the present. About Yoshi En.

Cultivation & Processing

A UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site since 1993, Yakushima is famous for its unique primeval landscape. 90% of this subtropical island is covered by the temperate Mononoke rainforest, which hosts approximately 300,000 tourists annually, of which many come for hiking activities.

The average temperature is 19.4°C, with an approximately 6–7°C difference between day and night as a result of the high mountains. The snow-covered Mt. Miyanoura peaks at 1936m above sea level and is the highest mountain in Kyushu. Yakushima is therefore referred to as the “Alps of the Ocean”.

The island receives the highest rainfall in Japan at 4400mm per year. As a result, Yakushima not only boasts many waterways and springs, but also a large amount of fog.

Clear water, fog and significant fluctuations between day and night temperatures in this subtropical climate come together to create some of the best conditions for cultivating high-quality sencha.

Single Origin

This tea is sourced exclusively from the above-mentioned tea plantations in Yakushima and is purchased directly from the farmer.

Preparation

Brewing Guide

2 heaped teaspoons per 100–300ml water (55–60°C). Steep for 2 minutes.

Suitable for up to 6 infusions:

1.   60°C, 60 sec.

2.   65°C, 15 sec.

3.   60°C, 20 sec.

4.   60°C, 20 sec.

5.   60°C, 15 sec.

6.   60°C, 10 sec.

Guide for mizudashi (cold brew) or iced tea:

1) In a kyusu: 2–4 heaped teaspoons, 50–100ml water (room temperature or with ice cubes), infuse only for a few minutes. Suitable for several infusions.

2) In a mizudashi bottle: 3–4 heaped teaspoons, 0.5–1L water (room temperature or with ice cubes), leave to infuse for 1–3 hours in the refrigerator.

Packaging

High-quality, airtight, resealable standing zipper pouch with 9 protective layers to preserve flavour and protect against oxidation and contamination.

Recommended Teapot

A high-quality violet Banko kyusu with a fine ceramic strainer best enhances the aromas, flavour complexity, body and umami of this shincha. On the other hand, a classic black Tokoname kyusu would be ideal for emphasising the fresh sencha grassiness of this umami-rich tea.

Recommended Storage

A high-quality tea caddy made of cherry bark (solid wood, kabazaiku chazutsu) is ideal, though any airtight tea caddy with internal coating will suffice.

Test results

The purity of our formulas is important to us. This is why we have both our raw ingredients as well as our finished products extensively tested by independent laboratories to confirm purity and active ingredient content. Here, we have provided the results of some of the tests carried out on this product.

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