Gyokuro Tea
Gyokuro is shade-grown for several weeks before harvest, pushing the plant toward deep umami and a jade-green infusion.
Flavor Profile
What does Gyokuro taste like?
Gyokuro is shade-grown for several weeks before harvest, pushing the plant toward deep umami and a jade-green infusion. The cup is thick, sweet, and intensely savory — almost like light dashi — with a smooth, lingering finish and very little bitterness when brewed cool. Its high theanine content gives a calm, focused character. Gyokuro is one of Japan's most refined and expensive green teas.
Bar length reflects the relative prominence of each flavor note (dominant first), not a laboratory measurement.
Origin
Uji, Japan
Uji, near Kyoto, is the historic home of gyokuro and Japan's shaded-tea tradition.
Known for steamed green teas, shade-grown umami, and powdered matcha.
Brewing Guide
How to Brew Gyokuro
Brewing parameters are a starting point and can be adjusted to taste.
Caffeine
Caffeine in Gyokuro
Typical brewed serving
Gyokuro is a high-caffeine green tea. A typical brewed serving contains about 60–120 mg of caffeine.
Values can vary depending on quantity, brewing time, serving size, and preparation method.
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Side by Side
Want to see how Gyokuro compares?
Put Gyokuro next to Sencha and compare flavor, origin, caffeine, and brewing side by side.
FAQ
Gyokuro Tea FAQ
Quick answers about Gyokuro tea, drawn from its flavor, origin, caffeine, and brewing profile.
What is Gyokuro tea?
Gyokuro is shade-grown for several weeks before harvest, pushing the plant toward deep umami and a jade-green infusion.
Does Gyokuro tea have caffeine?
Yes. Gyokuro is a high-caffeine tea, typically 60–120 mg per brewed serving.
What does Gyokuro tea taste like?
Gyokuro is known for a profile led by Umami, Sweet, and Vegetal, with a medium body.
How do you brew Gyokuro tea?
Use about 3 g of tea per 100 ml of water at 50–60°C, steeping for 1–2 minutes. It can be re-steeped 2–3 times.
Is Gyokuro tea bitter?
Bitterness is not a defining note of Gyokuro; its profile centers on Umami, Sweet, and Vegetal.