What is Asanoka Cultivar? (あさのか)
In general, each cultivar has a different taste and aroma that distinguish them from one another. Some of them even have the most exotic taste that can leave all the other teas behind, and one such cultivar is the Asanoka cultivar. It is one of the highest quality Japanese teas, and it is the one that you must have. In this blog, we’ll reveal everything there is to know about this cultivar. So, stay tuned.
What does Asanoka mean?
The meaning of Asanoka is generally divided into two parts asa and noka. In Japan, ‘asa’ （朝）means morning, and Asanoka（朝の香） together is known as the fragrance of the morning. Asanoka cultivar can be grown anywhere, but mainly it is grown in the parts of Kagoshima. Even today, this variety has got quite a good reputation in these regions.
As of now, the production of this cultivar is quite low, accounting for approximately 1% of the total production all across the country. However, Asanoka is the kind of variety that gives large amounts of yield. So, a lot of farmers think that there might be a possibility of this cultivar being grown all over the country.
Asanoka cultivar is quite easy to grow, but it needs two things the most: sunlight and ventilation. Give this cultivar the right amount of sunlight and ventilation; it will grow like no other. The Asanoka cultivar has got quite a well-balanced and rich taste because of which it is used as a base for a large number of tea blends. (Please see “What does Asanoka cultivar taste like?” Section to learn more about its taste.)
History of Asanoka Cultivar
Asanoka cultivar was grown by crossing two different tea varieties: Yabukita and a Chinese variety known as Hiramizu. There isn’t much information present on this Chinese variety, but after doing some research, we found that it comes from Pingshui Town in the province of Zhejiang, China. This town is quite famous for producing green tea in the form of gunpowder.
The two tea varieties were first intermingled at the Tea Research Institute in Chiran (Kagoshima) in 1994. After successful trials and testing, the cultivar got registered in 1996 under the Seed and Seedling Law with the number 5013.
Asanoka cultivar has been one of the most important parts of the Japanese green teas since 1996, and, as mentioned earlier, its production may even be increased due to its high yield, taste, aroma, and some other unparalleled benefits.
Characteristics of Asanoka Cultivar
Asanoka cultivar buds early and forms strong resistance to cold the minute after budding. The color of the leaves appears to be yellow-green, and the leaves are quite elliptical in shape with some luster. The young leaves are also soft and slightly thin.
When the Asanoka cultivar gets harvested, it shows a high yield. The cultivar not only contains a fruitful amount of amino acids but is also quite resistant to the novel gray blight. The aroma of this cultivar is quite different from that of Yabukita, but it is quite pleasant and appealing.
What does Asanoka Cultivar taste like?
What makes the tea worth cherishing? Three words: Taste, aroma, and appearance. Some people even factor out the latter two things, but they remain quite serious about the taste. Of course, everybody wants a good start to the morning or the perfect end to a hectic day. The Asanoka cultivar is the kind of cultivar that has a sweet appearance, taste, and aroma with plenty of umami.
Asanoka cultivar contains high amounts of amino acids, which aid in the sweetened taste and extremely refreshing aroma. Drinking a cup of tea made from this cultivar will have you reminisce over the taste of chestnut or sweet potato that immediately explodes in your mouth, the minute you devour it.
Now, you may be thinking, what if the tea has an unpleasant amount of sweetness? Other than the sweetened taste, this cultivar also has a grassy taste which balances off the sweet taste. The blend of the sweetness with that of the grassy taste brings out more of a subtle flavor. Due to this balanced flavor and taste, the Asanoka cultivar is utilized as a base for a variety of tea blends.
Other than this, this cultivar also contains a tinge of caffeine that provides a boost of energy to the human body. So, if you want something sweet but strong, the Asanoka cultivar is the one you should start your day with.
Conclusion
Japanese green teas are famous for their exotic taste and rich flavor. There are a lot of varieties present, and each one is special in its own way. Asanoka cultivar is a tea variety that not only has the perfect blend of taste but a captivating appearance as well. So, if you want a good amount of amino acids, get the Asanoka cultivar and start brewing yourself a hot cup of Asanoka cultivar tea!
Asanoka — Frequently Asked Questions
What does Asanoka taste like?
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About the author
Kei Nishida
Author, CEO Dream of Japan
Certification: PMP, BS in Computer Science
Education: Western Washington University