Gyokuro

With Gyokuro from Rishe Tea, you are not just enjoying a cup of tea, but an entire philosophy of pure tea and savoring life. Discover gyokuro – a tea treasure that connects tradition, luxury, and the positive health benefits of green tea.

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Why drink Gyokuro?  

Gyokuro offers not only an excellent flavor experience but also a wide range of health benefits. This tea is rich in antioxidants, amino acids, and L-theanine, which promotes concentration and induces a state of deep relaxation. Its regular consumption helps improve focus, strengthen the immune system, and contributes to a longer and higher quality of life.

How does gyokuro differ from ordinary teas? 

Gyokuro differs in many aspects. The first and most fundamental difference is the cultivation process – during the last three to four weeks before the harvest, mats are stretched over the entire tea plantation, shading it from direct sunlight. The old tea masters rightly observed that tea from places with natural shading (frequent mists, steep valleys) achieves an absolutely exceptional quality. Today we know that the shading process increases the content of chlorophyll and, above all, L-theanine in the leaves. This gives gyokuro its characteristic emerald green color, intense umami, and sweetness.

The history of gyokuro dates back to the mid-19th century. At that time, near the city of Uji, which was already a renowned tea center, this gem was born. Yamamoto Kahei VI thus took the first step towards making gyokuro the rarest Japanese tea. Even in Japan, where tea is an integral part of life, Gyokuro is regarded with almost religious reverence and is rightly considered a great rarity.

The traditional ritual preparation of gyokuro is also different from that of ordinary teas. Gyokuro is prepared with maximum precision in a small kyusu teapot or shiboridashi. This tea is traditionally brewed at a very low temperature (around 50–60 °C) for two minutes. Literally only a few drops are prepared, but each one brings an intense flavor experience along with a deep feeling of harmony, meditative calm, and connection with nature. This process is not just about taste, but about pausing and savoring every moment.

Unlike coffee, which provides a quick but very short-lived and restless source of energy, gyokuro offers a gentler and longer-lasting stimulation. Theine in Gyokuro is found in combination with L-theanine, which creates a unique synergy that promotes a state of relaxed alertness. L-theanine modulates the intensity of theine and prolongs its effects; L-theanine also stimulates the production of alpha waves in the brain, inducing a state of calm focus. This combination not only eliminates the unpleasant side effects associated with coffee, such as nervousness or a sudden drop in energy, but also allows you to tailor the effects of gyokuro using the appropriate preparation technique.

Beneficial effects of Gyokuro:

As they say in Japan:

Gyokuro wa jumyō o nobashimasu / Gyokuro prolongs life

Gyokuro wa ishiki o hirogemasu / Gyokuro expands consciousness

Gyokuro wa shūchū o tasukemasu / Gyokuro aids concentration

Prolongs life: Antioxidants in Gyokuro help protect cells from aging and support longevity.

Expands consciousness: The L-theanine content promotes mental clarity and induces a state of deep relaxation.

Aids concentration: Ideal for meditation, studying, or work where focus is required.

With Gyokuro from Rishe Tea, you are not just enjoying a cup of tea, but an entire philosophy of savoring life. Discover gyokuro – a tea treasure that connects tradition, luxury, and the positive health benefits of green tea.