What is Asatsuyu Cultivar?
If you want to fill your home with a grassy aroma, the Asatsuyu cultivar is the Japanese green tea you should go with. We have talked about lots of cultivars on our blog, and it wouldn’t be justifiable to Asatsuyu cultivar if we didn’t talk about it. In this blog, we are going to add the Asatsuyu cultivar to the list and let you know everything about this cultivar.
What is Asatsuyu?
Asatsuyu cultivar is quite famous in Japan and is referred to as natural gyokuro because its taste is quite similar to gyokuro’s taste. There is no need to make Asatsuyu go through the shading process to make it taste like gyokuro because this cultivar will taste like the best-known cultivar no matter what.
But what does Asatsuyu mean exactly?
Asatsuyu literally means “morning dew.” It is so named because when it is transformed into sencha and brewed, it acquires a beautiful bright yellow color. However, when you keep on brewing it, it develops a nice, grassy green color. Asatsuyu is quite famous itself, but it has also acquired quite a fame in the form of fukamushicha.
Origin of Asatsuyu Cultivar
Asatsuyu cultivar has been around us for quite some time, and it was cultivated during the modern Japanese agriculture breeding programs. It is mainly found in the Kagoshima prefecture of Japan, but now it’s being cultivated in many other regions as well. This cultivar was registered in 1953 and was named Japanese tea cultivar number 2.
Asatsuyu cultivar came from a tea plant’s seed that is found in Uji. Surprisingly, Uji is quite renowned for playing a huge part in the production of the gyokuro. However, after a deep analysis of the tea plant, Uji, the researchers found a new seed known as Asatsuyu. Since then, it has been one of the best organic Japanese teas.
Characteristics of Asatsuyu Cultivar
Asatsuyu cultivar is harvested in the early spring and blooms earlier than Yabukita but after Saemidori. However, the harvesting part depends solely on the weather conditions because not only does it need full sun, but the sky must also be partly cloudy from time to time.
The leaves of this cultivar are quite elliptical in shape and consist of bright green color. When the leaves are young, they acquire a pale yellow color that is soon transformed into a bright green one. The leaves of this cultivar are also quite tender. Thus, you’ll need to pay extra attention when it comes to brewing and steaming. Asatsuyu cultivar is quite resistant to all kinds of pests or diseases. However, you may need to look out for frost.
What does the Asatsuyu cultivar taste like?
What do you think about a minty, grassy, and refreshing cup of tea after a long, tiring day? You would like this idea very much. So, if you want to have a similar experience, you need the Asatsuyu cultivar in your home. The cup of tea made by this cultivar is certainly mind-boggling. It is not too sweet, not too bland. Just the perfect amount of sweetness that your taste buds need.
Generally, Asatsuyu has a perfectly balanced umami taste with hints of refreshing snap pea or grass. The aroma of this cultivar is quite earthy, which makes your entire home smell like a fresh garden. This tea also has a slightly astringent taste.
Conclusion
Asatsuyu cultivar has been around us for quite some time, and it has been marked as one of the best Japanese teas in terms of flavor and quality. Thus, if you want something sharp yet sweet in taste, Asatsuyu is the one.
Asatsuyu — Frequently Asked Questions
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About the author
Kei Nishida
Author, CEO Dream of Japan
Certification: PMP, BS in Computer Science
Education: Western Washington University