White Tea - Shirahime

This white tea is very different from other types of white tea, and is more like Japanese green tea in taste, similar to sencha and gyokuro, though the leaves of this tea are not shaded at all. The producer is based in Hoshinomura, Yame, Fukuoka. White tea is rare in Japan - this one was born as a natural mutation in Yame (rather than the force-shaded white tea more common in Shizuoka), and about ten years were spent developing this special cultivar. The leaves are yellow-green in colour, with a sweet aroma and a deep umami taste. When enjoyed as a loose leaf tea you can watch the change in colour of the leaves from yellow/green to white/yellow. Because the leaves weren’t shaded before harvest there will be noticeable bitterness, especially at higher temperatures.

This tea is quite versatile – brew at very low temperatures (e.g. room temperature) if you want to enjoy the savoury umami flavour, or go for higher temperatures if you want to have a bit of a bitterness bite. Start low and go higher to enjoy both! At the teahouse we brew the first infusion as a gyokuro with 30ml water, and then increase to 60ml for the later two infusions. Experimentation is encouraged.

Brewing as gyokuro:
Shirahime 5 grams
Water 30-60ml
First infusion 20°C for 90sec
Second infusion 65°C for 30sec
Third infusion 85°C for 5sec

Brewing as sencha:
Shirahime 3 grams
Water 60ml
First infusion 60°C for 45sec
Second infusion 70°C for 20sec
Third infusion 85°C for 5sec

Cold brewing:
Shirahime 14 grams
Water 800ml for 6-12 hours
Spring or filtered water is recommended (specifically we look for a TDS of 30-80 - if you’re in the north of england tap water should be fine, and if you’re in the south you are probably familiar with water filters already). Simply pour the tea leaves on water and keep in the fridge overnight, or for 6-12 hours. Avoid vigorous handling/shaking. We sometimes use an ice and water mixture so that the brewing temperature is around 6 degrees celcius from start to finish, but forgoing the ice is absolutely okay. The duration of the brew can be experimented with to find your personal preference and when you are happy with the flavour, strain and dispose of the leaves. Consume within 24 hours.

Storage:
Store in a cold environment (6-10°C) and avoid exposure to light, air, heat, moisture and strong smells - these will degrade your tea. Best consumed within 1-2 months from when it is first opened.