Gyokuro Tea concentrates all the health benefits of pure Green Tea, being rich in natural antioxidants.
helping to lower LDL cholesterol and providing energy, improving the ability to concentrate
The gyokuro the quintessence of Japanese green tea and its cultivation, manufacturing process, infusion and even tasting are an art.
Classified as a green tea – leaves and shoots of camellia sinensis without withering or oxidizing – gyokuro is differentiated by its peculiar method of elaboration, in which camellia bushes (tea plant) are covered with bamboo and straw structures to avoid direct contact with the sun’s rays.
Japanese teas, for the most part, are green teas. They are softer and more delicate teas than black teas and big favorites in Asian countries.
Within Japanese teas there is a wide variety of classes: Matcha, Gyokuro, Sencha, Gebalong, Genmmaicha, Kokeicha, Kukicha, Sincha, Amacha, etc.
All of them unique and different and the most surprising all from the same plant the Camellia Sinensis
Gyokuro is a very special and appreciated tea considered a “premium” tea so its price is higher than the Japanese Sencha or Bancha varieties, but it is certainly worth it for its flavor and aroma.
Related article: How do Matcha and Sencha green tea differ?
What is gyokuro tea?
It is one of the most valued teas in Japan, reserved for decades for the palates of the imperial court due to its elegance and aromatic and gustatory complexity.
The first thing you should know is that the herb of Gyokuro is from Japan, its name means “jewel dew”, it is a type of green tea.
However, it is different since it is not grown like the rest of the green tea plants.
But it is grown in the shade and not exposed to the sun.
It is also a variety of Sencha teas, which means that it is a tea that is made without crushing or grinding the leaves.
One of the main characteristics by which you will recognize it is that the infusion takes on a pale green color.
Which refers to its name, since it is made from a variety of shrubs, coming to be considered one of the finest teas in the Asian region and therefore one of the most expensive teas in the world.
The origin of Gyokuro tea is a bit uncertain, there is consensus on the legend that it was created by accident, since they say that it arose in Uji, a town south of Kyoto, by the year of 1835.
In that year there was a strong and long winter in that area, which forced the peasants to cover their camellia crops with structures that could withstand those temperatures, which produced important modifications in the grass.
Related article: What does Japanese Green tea do for you? Update.
Gyokuro green tea health benefits.
For all the wonder that gyokuro tea brings to your palate in terms of delicacy, it offers even more to your overall well-being in view of the benefits of gyokuro imperial green tea.
Basically, gyokuro tea is a nutritious bank of vital antioxidants you need.
So there’s more to the good that a cup of gyokuro tea can do for your body.
Let’s take a look at some of those benefits.
But not only that, health benefits of gyokuro green tea it has other properties.
- It has antioxidant properties that stimulate the immune system, accelerate metabolism and therefore fat burning and excess calories.
- Due to the high level of theine provided by this variety, it makes it a powerful stimulant and improves concentration.
- Thanks to its antioxidant, mineral and nutrient levels, gyokuro is very beneficial for the reduction in cardiovascular diseases.
- It reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood and regulates sugar levels.
- The level of chlorophyll is higher than in other green teas and therefore, taking it prevents infections in the mouth and provides fresher breath.
- Courtesy of the antioxidants it contains, the immune system is sufficiently strengthened by helping your body get rid of those unwanted free radicals.Free radicals are known to increase the growth of tumors and cancer cells. Premature aging of cells, thus protecting you from falling into a carcinogenic invasion.
Very Important: Always consult your doctor to know the specific details of your profile and whether or not it is advisable for you.
How to prepare Gyokuro tea?
Organic gyokuro green tea is usually prepared differently from other green teas.
- It is usually used twice as much tea as in other teas such as Sencha, that is, about 6 grams per bowl.
- The recommended temperature is about 50°C – 60°C instead of 65°C – 75°C that we usually recommend for Sencha.
- The infusion time we recommend is 1.5 minutes at least for the first infusion
- It is a tea that allows two or three infusions.
As always, they are simply recommendations since each drinker has their preferences in terms of intensity.
Related article: What teas have the most and the least caffeine?
What makes Gyokuro tea such a special tea?
Besides gyokuro tea benefits Asahi, Okumidori, Yamakai, and Saemidori varieties of Camellia Sinensis are used instead of the Yabukita variety used mostly for Sencha.
It is grown under shade rather than in the sun like most other teas.
Gyokuro tea leaves are protected from the sun for at least two weeks before being harvested.
This causes to increase the concentration of caffeine and theanine in the leaves.
Which produces a characteristic sweet taste of Gyokuro.
Gyokuro was first discovered and manufactured in 1835 by Yamamoto Kaheide and the Yamamoto Tea Company.
The process of making this tea is an example of the thoroughness and delicacy of Japanese cultivation techniques.
They cannot resist telling you and that comfortably justifies the price of this tea.