Kuma Tea Gardens

#0968.F2 Kuma Tea Garden Yame Matcha Kirari 31 (20g)

Sourced from Kuma Tea Gardens in Yame, Fukuoka, this ceremonial-grade matcha is crafted from the prized Kirari 31 cultivar, the same lineage that achieved a perfect score at Japan's National Tea Competition. The leaves are traditionally shade-grown for approximately 40 days using labor-intensive canopy shading, allowing them to develop slowly at high elevation and accumulate deeper umami and nutrient complexity. Following meticulous handpicking, the leaves are processed into tencha and aged for at least six months in deep freeze before being stone-ground into matcha, resulting in an exceptionally vibrant green hue with a rich, savory character and minimal bitterness. This ultra-limited offering, with only a few kilograms produced annually, earned Highly Commended recognition at the 2023 Leafies Awards and delivers an intense umami depth with subtle sweetness that reveals the dedication of traditional tea craftsmanship.