Okumidori tea: deep green freshness & Japanese elegance

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About Okumidori

Okumidori, a fascinating name in the cathedral of Japanese tea varieties, combines in its form both the diversity of tea varieties and the unique aesthetics of Japanese tea culture. This tea variety was originally developed in Japan in the 1970s and today enjoys great popularity among connoisseurs.

The term "Okumidori" has two ideograms: "oku" means deep or inner, while "midori" stands for green. The name thus touches directly on the quintessence of the tea experience - a deep, green freshness that awakens the senses and touches the soul with its subtle elegance.

The cultivation of Okumidori is closely linked to the climatic and geographical conditions of the Japanese tea regions. The variety thrives especially in the prefectures of Kagoshima and Shizuoka, areas known for fertile soils and an ideal climate for tea cultivation. These regions offer mild temperatures and abundant winter rainfall, which benefits the Okumidori bushes and allows them to develop a deep root system.

In the cup, Okumidori shows its best side: the infusion captivates with its bright green color, which captures the brilliance of a spring morning. The taste is equally remarkable - a sweet, almost buttery note, accompanied by a subtle freshness reminiscent of the scent of fresh grass. In the finish, Okumidori presents itself with a gentle umami spiciness that further emphasizes its elegance.

Okumidori is often used as a quality feature in the creation of Gyokuro and Sencha. In the production of Gyokuro, the Okumidori tea is shaded three weeks before harvest to increase the chlorophyll content and intensify the amino acids. The result is a soft, complex tea that appeals to connoisseurs. The Sencha from this variety, on the other hand, is characterized by a much milder bitterness - thanks to the transformation of the catechins - which emphasizes the natural sweetness of the tea.

The care of Okumidori tea plants is an art in itself, as they are usually picked by hand so as not to damage the delicate leaves. Once the leaves are picked, they are carefully processed, with each stage, whether steaming, rolling or drying, carried out with the utmost precision. This care guarantees that the characteristic aromas are preserved and brought to perfection.

The sensory depth and the loving craftsmanship with which Okumidori is made is the attraction for those who are looking not only for taste but also for an experience. Okumidori tea opens a window to a world where the harmonious existence of nature and man goes hand in hand and where every cup is a silent poem of life itself.