Ichibancha green tea from Uji

Kyoto Prefecture is renowned for its high-quality tea crops. Ichibancha tea leaves are the very first to be harvested, at the end of March. These young shoots are reputed to be highly aromatic, with very herbaceous notes.

This rare tea is made from the first leaves from the Dôsenbô, Minamisanjo and Souraku-gun areas. Purists in Kyoto love it. Indeed, this tea is grown at altitude (400 to 500 meters) and without shade. What's more, temperature difference between day and night is considerable, and the air is very pure. New shoots have an elegant aroma. It's sweeter and easier to drink than ordinary tea.

When infused, this tea has a light yellow-green color. Uji Ichibancha tea is particularly popular with Westerners, who tend to concentrate on the aroma. Leaving an impression of sweetness, it is said to be good for relaxing or entertaining. This tea is a perfect accompaniment to a meal or to pastries.