Kabusecha – Shaded Green Tea with Gentle Umami
This kabusecha is a refined Japanese green tea, shaded for approximately two weeks before harvest to enhance its natural sweetness and deepen its umami. By limiting direct sunlight, the tea leaves develop a higher theanine content, resulting in a cup that feels smooth, calm, and quietly complex.
The tea is finished using a deep-steaming process, which softens the leaves and creates a mellow, rounded flavor while helping preserve the tea’s naturally rich nutrients. The result is a balanced green tea that is soothing without feeling heavy — ideal for a peaceful tea break.
Shading for Sweetness and Depth
Kabusecha sits between sencha and gyokuro in style. The fields are carefully covered with cloth to reduce sunlight exposure, a labor-intensive, hands-on method that requires close attention throughout the growing period.
This shading encourages the leaves to retain chlorophyll and amino acids, bringing forward gentle sweetness and umami while reducing sharpness. The approach creates a tea that is expressive yet easy to enjoy, even for those new to shaded teas.
Pure Cultivation, Thoughtful Craft
The tea is grown following Morii Farm’s commitment to clean and careful cultivation. The fields are managed without reliance on modern chemical inputs, allowing the tea to express its natural character clearly.
The cultivation philosophy follows strict principles of zero pesticides, zero chemical fertilizers, zero herbicides, and zero livestock compost. Such practices are increasingly rare, especially for shaded teas, which often require more intervention and labor.
Brewing Suggestions (Flexible & Gentle)
Kabusecha rewards careful preparation but remains forgiving. The guidelines below are simply our suggested starting point — adjust freely to suit your taste and water.
Hot brew
Water temperature: 60–80°C
Tea amount: 2–3 g per cup (200 ml)
Steeping time: 60–90 seconds
Lower temperatures highlight sweetness and umami, while slightly warmer water brings out a brighter green character. The same leaves can be enjoyed for 2–3 infusions.
Cold brew
Use 5 g per 1 liter of cold water
Steep in the refrigerator for 6–10 hours
Strain and enjoy chilled
Cold brewing emphasizes softness, natural sweetness, and a clean, refreshing finish with very low bitterness.
A note on water
For best results, use filtered or low-mineral water. Hard water, common in many parts of Europe, can dull aroma and clarity. If your water is mineral-rich, using a lower temperature or slightly less tea can help maintain balance.
A Tea for Calm Focus
With its elevated theanine content and gentle profile, kabusecha offers a calming yet clear-headed experience. It is well suited for quiet mornings, reflective moments, or anytime you want a green tea that feels nourishing rather than stimulating.
This is a tea shaped by patience, shading, and thoughtful craftsmanship — elegant, soothing, and deeply satisfying without excess.
