ShiZen Tea
Spring Pick - Organic Sencha Superior ”Shimizu" Green Tea 3.5 oz (100g)
Spring Pick - Organic Sencha Superior ”Shimizu" Green Tea 3.5 oz (100g)
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A mellow organic spring sencha from Shimizu with a buttery, rounded body, gentle umami, and a very soft finish.
Taste profile
How to brew
A Mellow Organic Sencha from Shimizu
The 2026 spring lot of Shimizu is a blend of Okuyutaka and Yabukita grown in Shimizu, Shizuoka. This year's tea is gentle from the first sip: buttery and rounded in texture, with medium umami and a notably soft mouthfeel that seems to wrap around the palate.
Its aroma is mellow and shaded rather than briskly green. Think of a quiet woodland after rain, with a small lift of brightness as the cup opens. The overall impression is settled and unhurried—a composed sencha for a quiet afternoon.
Who This Tea Is For
- For people who prefer a soft, rounded sencha over a sharp or highly aromatic cup
- For drinkers who enjoy gentle umami and a smooth, enveloping texture
- For a quiet afternoon cup with a mellow, shaded character
- For customers looking for a JAS-certified organic spring sencha from Shizuoka
What Makes the 2026 Shimizu Different
- Okuyutaka and Yabukita blend: The 2026 lot brings the two cultivars together in one balanced spring sencha.
- Exceptionally soft texture: Buttery, round, and gentle on the palate, with an enveloping mouthfeel.
- Medium umami: Present and satisfying without making the cup feel heavy.
- Mellow woodland aroma: Deeper and more shaded than a brisk grassy sencha, with a subtle brightness as it opens.
- JAS Organic: Certified under Japan's JAS Organic standard.
What the Cup Is Like
The defining quality is softness. The texture feels buttery and round, followed by medium umami and a quiet, mellow aroma. A gentle brightness keeps the cup from feeling too subdued.
How to Brew
- Tea: 3g
- Water: 100ml / 3.4 fl oz
- Temperature: 70-75 C / 158-167 F
- Time: 60 seconds
Start here for the first infusion, then adjust slightly to suit the softness or strength you prefer.
Organic Certification
This tea is certified organic under Japan's JAS Organic standard and is sold as organic in the U.S. under the U.S.-Japan organic equivalence arrangement.
Teas to Try Alongside This One
- Organic Sencha Superior: compare two organic spring senchas from different parts of Shizuoka.
- Saemidori 2026 First Pick: compare this soft organic blend with a sweeter, fuller premium sencha from Kagoshima.
Comparison FAQ
Which cultivars are used in the 2026 Shimizu?
The 2026 lot is a blend of Okuyutaka and Yabukita.
Is this a single-cultivar tea?
No. The current 2026 Shimizu is an Okuyutaka and Yabukita blend.
What does the 2026 Shimizu taste like?
It is buttery, round, and very soft, with medium umami and a mellow woodland aroma. A small lift of brightness appears as the cup opens.
How is this different from Organic Sencha?
Choose Shimizu for a softer, rounder, more mellow cup. Choose Organic Sencha for a cleaner, brighter, more refreshing everyday style.
When is this lot best enjoyed?
The current Spring 2026 lot is best enjoyed by August 30, 2027. We recommend enjoying it soon for its best aroma.
FAQ
Q. How soon will my order be shipped?
A. We typically ship orders within 1-3 business days. In the rare event that an item is out of stock, it may take longer. If that happens, we will contact you directly to discuss the options.
Q. What is your return policy?
A. If there is a quality issue, damage, defect, or wrong item, please contact us within 30 days so we can arrange a refund or replacement. Unopened tea in its original factory-sealed package and unused tea ware can be returned within 14 days. Opened tea cannot be returned for food-safety reasons. Orders can be cancelled before shipment. Please see our Refund Policy for the full terms.
Q. Is this tea organic?
A. Yes. This tea is certified organic under Japan's JAS Organic standard and is sold as organic in the U.S. under the U.S.-Japan organic equivalence arrangement.
Q. Will I have to pay customs and import taxes?
A. For U.S. orders, import duties and related charges are currently handled by ShiZen Tea when applicable, so you should not normally be asked to pay customs charges on delivery. For other countries, customs duties, import taxes, or local fees may vary depending on your country's regulations and may be charged to the buyer. Please check with your local customs authority if you are unsure.
Q. Can I track my order?
A. Yes, tracking is available for all orders. Once your order has been shipped, you will receive a confirmation email containing your tracking number and a link to track your package.
Q. How much caffeine does this tea contain?
A. Yes. Like other Japanese green teas, this tea contains caffeine. The exact amount can vary depending on the tea amount, water temperature, and steeping time. If you are sensitive to caffeine, we recommend enjoying it earlier in the day.
Q. How should I store the tea?
A. Please store the tea in a cool, dark place, away from heat, humidity, and direct sunlight. After opening, seal the package tightly and enjoy it as soon as possible, while the aroma is still fresh.
Q. What payment methods do you accept?
A. We accept all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) as well as PayPal.