Traditional Authentic Yame Gyokuro (Fukuoka): season, origin and where to buy

Seasonal calendar

Hand-picked during the first flush, around May; the finished tea 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

Traditional Authentic YAME GYOKURO is a green tea leaves with very rich, mellow and full- bodied taste. The plantation is covered with rice straw screens before harvesting green leaves to block out the sunlight. This method creates aromatic tea leaves containing high level of “Ooi-ka” (covered flavor).

Link with the production area

The area’s temperature gap between mornings and evenings caused by surrounded mountains creates morning fog. This fog helps store umami component (pleasant savory taste) within the tea leaves, resulting in the highest grade of green tea. The production methods including the use of rice straw covers and natural materials as well as hand harvesting have been inherited for over 110 years.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/s5.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.

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

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FAQ

This gyokuro is made in Fukuoka Prefecture by the traditional method of shading the tea bushes with rice straw and other natural materials before harvest, growing them naturally and picking by hand. It has a pronounced “ooika” covered aroma and a rich, mellow taste full of umami.

Traditional Authentic Yame Gyokuro is produced in Fukuoka Prefecture.

Traditional Authentic Yame Gyokuro is in season (harvested or shipped) in May. Hand-picked during the first flush, around May; the finished tea is sold year-round.

Look for it via furusato nozei (hometown tax donation) and online shops. Check the GI mark and the place of origin before you buy.

Traditional Authentic Yame Gyokuro was registered as a Geographical Indication on December 22, 2015 (Registration No. 5). The registered producer group is Traditional Authentic Yame Gyokuro Promotion Association.