Description
Ever wondered why Japanese tea farmers cover their tea bushes with tarps and scaffolding?
In this video, Don breaks down the science and art of shade-grown Japanese green tea. Learn how reducing sunlight alters the leaf’s chemistry—preserving the relaxing amino acid L-theanine while decreasing bitter catechins—to produce an intense umami and silky, brothy mouthfeel.
We brew and taste three distinct styles back-to-back to showcase exactly how shading levels shape character, flavor, and texture:
JAM ROCK SENCHA (unshaded): https://meileaf.com/p/tea-isec
A rich and raucous ride made from the alpine landscape of Tenryu. Jams, doughnuts and minerals with an energetic body sensation.
OKUMIDORI KABUSE (14-day shade): https://meileaf.com/p/tea-okac
Kagoshima Kabusecha made from the Okumidori cultivar. This is ultra-luxurious, soft smooth, sweet and creamy.
GYOKURO KARIGANE (Full 30 day shade): https://meileaf.com/p/tea-kgyc
A blend of Yabukita & Gokou cultivars from Uji, Kyoto. Cultivated under traditional scaffolding and blended 50/50 with shade-grown stems for a luscious, custard-like umami experience without overwhelming heaviness.
HATSU BLACK: https://meileaf.com/p/tea-hblc
A celebration of the original Wakoucha Black Tea using a heritage cultivar hardly ever used today. A wildly contrasting Black both warm, smooth and malty while being fresh with brisk eucalyptus.
TEAWARE: https://meileaf.com/teawares/teapots-and-kyusus/
Chapters
0:00 - Introduction: Why Shade Japanese Green Tea?
0:56 - The Science of Shading: L-Theanine, Caffeine & Umami
4:30 - Sencha vs. Kabusecha vs. Gyokuro Explained
9:24 - Jamrock Sencha: Terroir & Tasting Notes
15:08 - How Water Temperature Affects Japanese Green Tea
18:54 - Tasting Jamrock Sencha: Minerality & Jammy Fruits
23:01 - Okumidori Kabusecha: 14-Day Direct Covering
27:32 - Tasting Kabusecha: Creamy Frosting & Floral Aromas
33:31 - Gyokuro Karigane: Traditional Scaffolding Shading
35:41 - The Matcha Craze & Gyokuro Production
38:19 - Brewing with a Shiboridashi (Low Temp, Long Steep)
46:06 - Tasting Gyokuro Karigane: Custard, Broth & Umami Bomb
49:43 - Leaf Comparison & Summary
🍵 Explore these Japanese Green Teas & teaware at: https://meileaf.com
📍 Visit our teahouse when in London!
VIDEOS:
Learn about Japanese Greens: https://youtu.be/Sh6xRBG-LlU
Grandpa Style Brewing: https://youtu.be/4iW_gd_ixSQ
Sencha Brewing: https://youtu.be/QSZP-LDp08Y
Tea Pricing: https://youtu.be/G1VPjggbv3Q
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