Tea Guide

Different breeds give different teas. In this Tea Guide, we compare the various different strains of tea leaf used by Hamada. You can find your favourite tea leaves using their different tastes and characteristics.

  • T-01
  • T-02
  • T-03
  • T-04
  • T-05
  • T-06

T-01

Yabukita

Feature

It features a rich flavour with sweetness, and an elegant light fragrance. Its light colour is a soft and clear yellow.

Biography

A breed discovered in Shizuoka between the end of the Meiji era and the Taisho era. The name comes from the original growing location, the north (Kita) part of a bamboo grove (Yabu). Currently the most popular variety of tea, making up 80% of overall production.

T-02

Saemidori

Feature

Characterised by its clear green colour. Has a refined, and not overpowering fragrance. An easily drinkable tea with little bitterness, and some umami.

Biography

A breed born from crossing "Yabukita" and "Asatsuyu". Registered as a breed in 1990, and popularised primarily in southern Kyushu areas such as Kagoshima and Miyazaki.

T-03

Yutakamidori

Feature

While the leaves are astringent and bitter, the flavour of the tea becomes rich with a strong sweetness through "deep steaming". Has a deep colour, with a tight and refreshing flavour.

Biography

Second in terms of production volume behind "Yabukita". Since this strain is weak to the cold, it is suited to warmer growing areas, and is largely grown in Kagoshima. Its picking season starts 5 days earlier than Yabukita. Registered as a breed in 1966.

T-04

Asatsuyu

Feature

Notable for its fragrance. In terms of flavour it has plenty of umami and sweetness, and very little bitterness. It has a mild deep green colour.

Biography

A high quality breed, primarily grown in Kagoshima. Registered as a breed in 1953.

T-05

Asanoka

Feature

Characterised by its refreshing scent. Rich in amino acids, it has a mellow umami taste. Its colour is a soft pale yellow with a hint of green.

Biography

A new breed created by crossing Yabukita and Chinese tea. Born and raised in Kagoshima. Registered as a breed in 1996.

T-06

Okumidori

Feature

"Has a refreshing mountain scent. While not particularly unique, it has few faults or foibles. Its colour is a clear gold one."

Biography

Cultivated as both a high quality tea (Gyokurou), and a sweet tea (Tencha). The main growing areas are Kagoshima and Kyoto, and the picking season is 8 days earlier than Yabukita. Registered as a breed in 1974.

Different ways to enjoy different teas.

A tea master familiar with the unique characteristics of each leaf blends these different breeds to create tea with a rich fragrance.

Hamada Blends