Matsuo-chaen: Tamaryokucha Irika

Tamaryokucha from Higashi Sonogi, Nagosaki

30g

An early picking of the youngest leaves from tea farmer Matsuo Masatoshi's tea garden, Hatsutsumi (literally "first plucking") is a delicate and delicious example of Higashi Sonogi Village's artisanal green tea.

Tamaryokucha, literally meaning curly or coiled tea is similar to sencha in that it is a steamed green tea however, rather than the leaves being rolled into the characteristic needle shape, these have been left to dry and allowed to curl. Tamaryokucha is an fairly rare tea produced mainly in Kyushu and Saga prefectures. 

Similar to Matsuo-chaen's matcha Shiokaze, these tea leaves have been simultaneously steamed and pan fired giving them a wonderful sweet and nutty aroma. 

Steeping Notes : 3-5g | 200ml | 70°C | 60sec

• Ingredients: Green Tea 

• Cultivar: Blended

• Harvest: Late April

• Note: Early picking first flush
  

• Region: Higashi Sonogi, Nagasaki

• Farm: Matsuo chaen (Chayou)

About the farmer: Chayou is currently run by the second generation tea master, Matsuo Masatoshi. In addition to being a multi-award winner of the minister's award given to winning teas at tea competition, Matsuo Masatoshi has also won the prestigious emperor's cup, chosen by the government each year from all farms across Japanese agriculture industry.