ShiZen Tea
Spring Pick — Sayama Premium Tenpi (Sun-dried Japanese Green Tea Sencha) 50g
Spring Pick — Sayama Premium Tenpi (Sun-dried Japanese Green Tea Sencha) 50g
Couldn't load pickup availability
Premium sun-dried spring pick from Sayama Region
- Origin: Iruma Region, Saitama Prefecture (Sayama)
- Harvest: First pick of spring (end of April)
- Cultivation Method: Shaded by kanreisha cloth
- Cultivar: Sayama Kaori
- Processing: light steam style with a green yellow color
- Characteristics: floral aroma, natural sweetness, medium umami
- Contents: 50g (approximately 15-17 servings)
This tea will be using the youngest (first-picked) buds of cultivar 'Sayama Kori'. After harvesting, they are sun-dried, which is called tenpi in Japanese, for about 6 hours to enhance wilting. This process adds the aroma, flavor, and various added values of the variety, resulting in a tea with strong individuality.
The traditional sun-dried method is called icho in Japanese. Icho is a tea-making process where harvested tea leaves are deliberately wilted, reducing moisture and activating oxidation enzymes to bring out a unique aroma.
After processing in spring, we let it age until autumn/winter and let the taste become more mellow and soft.
When extracted at low temperatures, it offers a sweet taste, while high-temperature extraction brings out the aroma. Various brewing methods can be enjoyed, and the flavor changes between the first and second brew.
Made by the renowned top skilled tea master Nakajima-san of Onishi-en
Cultivated on the historic Oonishi-en estate, which boasts a legacy spanning 250 years, this sencha is hand roasted by a tea master adorned with the title of "Eisei-chasei (Eternal Tea Saint)." Having claimed the top position in the National Hand-Rolled Tea Appraisal Contest an impressive eight times, this tea master is widely recognized as Japan's foremost expert in the art of tea.
Under the leadership of the skilled artisan Nakajima-san, Oonishi-en continues to uphold traditional techniques, producing the esteemed "deep-steamed tea" that Sayama tea is celebrated for. Immerse yourself in the epitome of quality with tea crafted by Japan's finest tea master.
Taste profile:
Natural sweetness : ★★★★★
Savory / Umami : ★★★★☆
Bitterness : ★☆☆☆☆
Flavor note: Floral unique aroma / Mellow natural Sweetness /
Brewing:
- To enjoy the umami and sweetness
- water temperature: 70C (158F)
- Steeping time: 1 minute 15 seconds
- To enjoy the aroma
- water temperature: 90C (194F)
- Steeping time: 30 seconds
Amount of tea leaf: 3-4g per 100-120ml
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. This tea is not certified organic. It is produced in Japan under Japanese agricultural standards. If you are looking specifically for certified organic tea, we recommend our Organic Sencha or Organic Matcha.
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.