Kikugawa Deep-Steamed Green Tea (Shizuoka): season, origin and where to buy

Seasonal calendar

As a processed product, it is sold year-round.

Timing shifts with the weather and conditions in each region.

Official registration details (MAFF)

The registered description as published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Characteristics

When brewed, Deep Steamed Kikugawa Tea has a rich yellow-green color and a mild taste.In addition to these characteristics, the deep and rich aroma, umami, and richness are highly appreciated by consumers.

Link with the production area

Tea produced in and around Kikugawa City was considered to have a strong astringent taste, but as a result of research since around 1952, the city succeeded in producing tea with a good taste by steaming tea leaves for a long time. The city is recognized as the birthplace of deep steamed tea.Kikugawa City was the first in Japan to improve organized tea production technology and mass-produce high-quality tea through the establishment of a tea agricultural cooperative, which contributed greatly to the establishment of the deep steamed tea category at the National Tea Fair and the spread and expansion of deep steamed tea throughout Japan.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/s130.html)

Where to buy

As a rule, only products that meet the registered standard may use a GI name (with exceptions such as prior use). Check for the GI mark and the place of origin to tell it apart from ordinary products with similar names.

Buy from the producer group (opens in a new tab)Find on furusato nozei (opens in a new tab)Find online (opens in a new tab)

These links go to Japanese-language shops; check whether they ship overseas.

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The producers' association website lists shops where it can be purchased.

FAQ

Deep-steamed sencha from around Kikugawa City, Shizuoka, known as the birthplace of deep-steamed tea. Steaming the leaves for a long time gives the brewed tea a deep yellow-green color and a mellow taste, and it is also prized for its rich aroma, umami and body.

Kikugawa Deep-Steamed Green Tea is produced in Shizuoka Prefecture.

Kikugawa Deep-Steamed Green Tea is shipped all year round. As a processed product, it is sold year-round.

Look for it via furusato nozei (hometown tax donation), online shops and the producer group's own shop. Check the GI mark and the place of origin before you buy.

Kikugawa Deep-Steamed Green Tea was registered as a Geographical Indication on March 31, 2023 (Registration No. 130). The registered producer group is Kikugawa City Green Tea Industry Association.