Yabukita Sencha

Kumaen Yabukita Sencha - Yame, Fukuoka

Yabukita is Japan's iconic sencha tea plant variety: pure, fresh and balanced. Carefully crafted by the Kumaen family, this batch delivers fresh green aromas, reliable umami and an elegant, lively finish - a 'classic' Japanese sencha that's good to return to.

Origin & producer

• Producer: Kumaen – multi-generational Yamei tea farm
• Cultivar: Yabukita (balanced umami-freshness, bright green character)
• Region: Yame, Fukuoka – foggy dawns, large daily temperature fluctuations, clean, sweet tones
• Processing: careful steaming (asamushi–chūmushi depending on the batch), precise twisting and drying

Taste and aroma profile

• Aroma: fresh grass and steamed greens, nori/kombu, raw almonds, a hint of citrus zest
• Taste: clean, vibrant umami; green pea-spinach sweetness with a delicate fresh acidity; slight white pepperiness
• Body & finish: medium body, silky mouthfeel; long, refreshing, sweet-mineral aftertaste
• Bitterness/astringency: low–medium; easily controlled with temperature

When do we recommend it?

For daytime focus, a break between work, an afternoon “green refresh.” Yabukita is the reliable, classic face of everyday sencha – clean, disciplined, yet friendly.

Preparation instructions

Asian (kyusu) method

• Equipment: Japanese jug (kyusu) 120–200 ml
• Tea: 5–6 g
• Water: 70–75 °C (soft water recommended)
• 1st pour: 60–80 sec.
• 2nd–3rd pour: 20–40 seconds; gradually increase later
• Tip: At 70 °C it becomes creamier and more umami; at 75 °C it becomes more vibrant, greener and more characteristic.

Western method

• Equipment: 300–350 ml cup or jug ​​with strainer
• Tea: 3–4 g
• Water: 75–80 °C
• Soaking: 1:30–2:00 minutes; 1–2 shorter infusions can be made from the same batch

Cold brew

• Ratio: 8–10 g/liter
• Time: 6–8 hours in the refrigerator
• Result: a silky, very low bitterness, sweet-umami drink with fresh green and delicate citrus nuances

Tips & pairing

• Water: low TDS (≈20–80 ppm) enhances clarity and umami
• Food pairing: onigiri, lightly salted rice crackers, fresh goat cheese, white fish; citrus desserts
• Storage: Protected from light and odors, airtight; recommended to keep refrigerated after opening