Gyokuro
Gyokuro
Gyokuro, meaning "jade dew," is one of Japan's most prized green teas. Our classic Gyokuro brews a full-flavored cup with a satisfying, light and refreshing character, the signature sweet green flavor, and hints of seaweed.
History & Heritage
Gyokuro was created in 1835 in Uji, near Kyoto, Japan's historic tea capital. It is credited to the sixth-generation head of the Yamamoto Kahei tea family, who refined a way of growing and processing shaded tea leaves to bring out their sweetness and savory umami. Shading tea plants had long been practiced in Uji for the tea used in matcha, and Gyokuro applied that idea to a leaf tea, creating a new style that remains a symbol of Japanese tea craftsmanship.
Interesting Facts
The tea is covered with black curtains or bamboo and straw shades for about 3 weeks in early spring. This increases chlorophyll, making the leaves dark green, and reduces tannin for a sweeter flavor.
The leaves are small, about 3/4 inch long, and extremely fragrant and tender.
Immediately after plucking, the leaves are steamed to seal in their freshness.
Tasting Notes & Pairings
Rich, sweet and savory, with a smooth, almost brothy texture. Gyokuro is best sipped slowly from a small cup to savor its depth. Pair it with delicate Japanese sweets, sashimi, or simply enjoy it on its own.
Brewing tips (general guideline): use 2 teaspoons (about 4–5 g) per 4–6 oz of cooler water, 120–140°F, steeped about 2 minutes. Cooler water brings out sweetness and umami. The leaves can be infused again. Adjust to taste.
Like every tea at Beantown Tea & Spices, Gyokuro is a quality loose-leaf tea offered at an affordable price, with sample and larger sizes so you can find your favorite. Explore more in our Green Tea collection, or pair it with our tea accessories.
Making loose-leaf tea easy and convenient: these biodegradable, disposable filters have an elongated back that makes filling easy and needs no filter holder.
A bit of history
The convenience of bagged tea has a long history. Tea merchant Thomas Sullivan is often credited with popularizing tea bags after he sent customers samples in small silk bags in 1908, though earlier designs for tea-leaf holders had already been patented a few years before.
Good to know
Made in Germany of taste-neutral wood and abaca fibers.
Non-chlorine bleached with oxygen.
100 filters per package. Size: 7 inches long and 3 inches wide.
How to use
Fill with your favorite loose-leaf tea, leaving room for the leaves to expand, then simply fold the filter over the edge of your cup or teapot and steep. Lift it out and compost or discard it when done.
At Beantown Tea & Spices, we focus on quality tea and tea essentials at affordable prices. Explore more in our Tea Accessories collection, or browse our Tea Info brewing guide.