A few years back, we stumbled upon a real treasure and immediately knew we had to have it—this incredibly delicious sencha green tea. It is crafted from the tender young buds that haven't quite reached full maturity, which gives it a unique gentle sweetness and a taste that lingers beautifully after each sip. This tea, our 100% Yabukita "Mio", comes from the first flush of spring leaves, right from the Sakabe District of the Makinohara Plateau—Japan's top spot for tea thanks to its superior soil and climate.
What sets Sencha "Mio" apart is its medium steaming process, which imparts a subtle sweetness that is distinctly pleasant. It's a flavor that stays with you, perfectly balancing sweetness with a light astringency that keeps it interesting cup after cup. This Yabukita variety captures the essence of those still-maturing young buds, known as miru-me, blending their charm with an exquisite softness that makes it one of the finest green teas you can find in Shizuoka.
Mio's sibling green tea, Haruna, also grown in the same district, is harvested just a day or two later. This slight delay allows the leaves to develop a bit more, deepening the flavor but reducing that characteristic softness just a tad.
Mio is wonderfully easy to brew, though we do recommend using a teapot designed for fukuamushi-cha to get the best results. Just remember not to use water that's too hot, or steep it too long, or use too much leaf.
Here's a little tip for brewing: cool your water to about 70 degrees Celsius (160 F) and watch carefully as the tea leaves unfurl to their full extent.
Like all our loose-leaf green teas, Mio is freshly packaged in nitrogen-filled bags to ensure it reaches you in peak condition.
Each package contains 100 grams of this delightful tea, promising many cups of serene, enjoyable moments.
