Kiraka White Leaf Sencha

Kiraka is a newer tea cultivar registered in 2006 in Japan and one of the white leaf tea varieties grown there.  The leaves of  'white leaf' tea plants are lighter in color than those of Yabukita, the most popular and dominant tea cultivar in Japan.

A recent study conducted by Japanese researchers indicates that white leaf Sencha contains fewer catechins but more amino acids than Yabukita one.  In other words, a white leaf Sencha would be savorier (umami) and less astringent.

Although its tea leaves have a light color, this Kiraka from Shizuoka is a green tea and not a white tea.

Kiraka White Leaf Sencha

Type:  Green           Producing Country: Japan       Preparation:  80°C 2.5 Min

Dry Leaf:  These beautiful green thin needles and pieces have the fragrances of fresh vegetables and honey.
Wet Leaf:  The leaves are pale yellow green.  They are very soft and tender.  The notes are savory and vegetal (steamed fresh corn and spinach).
Liquor:   The infusion is lemon yellow.  Its mouth feel is thick and rich.  It is creamy and brothy with low bitterness and light astringency.   It is also sweet, vegetal and slightly citrusy.

Tee Score: 5 of 5

Tamaryoku Cha

Mushisei Tamaryoku Cha (steamed round green tea) or Tamacha is commonly called Guricha.   Tamacha emerged in the 1920's in Japan and was originally intended for export to Middle East.

The production method of Tamacha is similar to that of Sencha.   The difference is the kneading stage that shapes the leaves is omitted for Tamacha.   Kamairicha, a pan-fried not steamed tea, is another one that cuts out the kneading stage.  

Harvested in August, this late season tea is from Kagoshima Prefecture located at the southern edge of Kyushu, Japan.   Although it lacks in good looks, its aroma is bright and Sencha-like.

Sencha leaves vs Tamacha leaves

Tamacha

Type:  Green           Producing Country: Japan       Preparation:  85°C 2.5 Min

Dry Leaf:  The broken pieces are not 'round' or curly.  The fragrances include toasted nuts and cooked vegetables.
Wet Leaf:  The dark olive leaves smell like toasted rice and arugula.
Liquor:      Tamacha is yellow in color.   It is grassy, vegetal, slightly toasty and astringent.

Tee Score: 3 of 5