Hachiju-hachiya means Eighty-Eight Nights. Eighty-Eight Nights Shincha refers to Shincha picked on the 88th day after the first day of Spring in the traditional Japanese calendar, which is normally around May 2nd. Hachiju-hachiya is a special day in Japanese agriculture since it is considered about the time all the plants begin to sprout.
This year, we are introducing Hachiju-hachiya Shincha from Taniba, Kagoshima. Taniba is an area in Chiran, Kagoshima where premium-quality Fukamushi Sencha is grown. Taniba’s climate is warm and the soil is fertile allowing the tea trees to grow without stress.
The uniqueness of our Hachiju-hachiya Shincha is that it is also a Chu-mushi Sencha. Chu means middle and mushi means steaming. It’s a moderately steamed Sencha that is between regular Sencha and Fukamushi Sencha and that process brings you a well-balanced flavor and cup.
This Shincha is even more special because it is made with a new cultivar, “Seimei”. Seimei was developed in response to the growing global demand for green tea. It has a stronger umami, less bitterness, and vivid green cup. Due to its high quality, it is a variety that is mainly used for Matcha and Gyokuro, but it has been made into Sencha.
Origin: Taniba, Kagoshima
Harvest: First Flush
Cultivar: Seimei
Den’s Preferred Brewing:
Leaf-water ratio: 2-3g (1 rounded tsp) per 4oz
Water: 160°F
Steep: 45 sec
2nd Cup: Water 180°F; Steep 15 sec
Optional Brewing:
You can also brew with hotter water, say 200°F, for 30 sec. This way, the wild grassy flavor comes on strong and you can taste its deep natural taste. I recommend you try brewing it both ways.
What a lovely gift!
I will try to post a link to a pic if I remember my flicker password! Lol