What is Tsuyuhikari (御前崎茶-つゆひかり) cultivar?
A lot of Japanese teas are currently taking over the world, and one of them is the Tsuyuhikari cultivar. Tsuyuhikari cultivar has a large number of amazing health benefits, but the main distinguishing feature is its taste. Proceed below to know all about the Tsuyuhikari cultivar and how it evolved over the years.
What is Tsuyuhikari cultivar?
The word Tsuyuhikari is pronounced as tsu-YOU-he-kah-ree. The literal meaning of this cultivator is “dew light,” where Tsuyu is known as “dew,” and Hikari is referred to as “light.” The last syllables of Asatsuyu are combined to provide us with the name of the Tsuyuhikari cultivar. Asatsuyu (あさつゆ ) is the parent cultivar of Tsuyuhikari. It is known as the Japanese word for light, indicating hope. Many farmers believe that this Tsuyuhikari cultivar will bring light to the industry of tea.
Tsuyuhikari is usually cultivated for the unique taste, flavor, and color of its liquor. However, there are very few areas where this cultivar is being cultivated nowadays, but its cultivation is progressing in the region of Shizuoka.
History of Tsuyuhikari cultivar
In 1970, a couple of scientists decided to cross Shizu-7132 and Asatsuyu at the Tea Research Institute of Shizuoka. Out of all the seedlings developed, the best one was selected. The scientists and researchers had recognized the value of this seedling by 2001, but it still hadn’t been registered. However, in the same year, the use of this seedling skyrocketed in the various regions of Shizuoka.
However, 2003 proved to be a good year for this selected seedling because it ultimately got registered as a high-quality cultivar under the Seed and Seedling Law in March.
The cultivar was registered as Tsuyuhikari cultivar because it is derived from Asatsuyu, and it was believed that the amazing taste and color of this cultivar would revive the tea industry of Shizuoka, which would lead to the success of the entire tea industry of Japan.
Characteristics of Tsuyuhikari cultivar
In general, the farmers harvest Tsuyuhikari cultivar two days prior to harvesting Yabukita, and that is why it is sometimes referred to as an early budding cultivar. The tree of Tsuyuhikari is of medium height; however, the horizontal spread is quite large. Also, the vigor of this cultivar is quite strong and extensive. Talking about the yield, the cultivar exhibits a greater yield as compared to Yabukita.
When the leaves of this cultivar are young, they are of vibrant light green color or pale green, but they acquire an exotic darker green shade when they mature. The leaves are quite elliptical in shape, and the edges of these cultivars are not quite indented, as you can see in other cultivars.
The Tsuyuhikari cultivar can resist cold better than any other cultivar. It is not only cold-resistant but also disease-resistant. It is slightly strong against blister blight, whereas it’s highly strong against anthracnose. Because of its strong resistance to anthracnose, there is no need to use extensive pesticides. It can be grown in various regions of Japan because of its strong resistance to diseases, cold, and high regional adaptability.
When Tsuyuhikari cultivar is processed into sencha, the color of the Tsuyuhikari is transformed into bright green, whereas the color of liquor exhibits a beautiful emerald green.
What does Tsuyuhikari cultivar taste like?
The taste of the Tsuyuhikari cultivar is quite refreshing. In the Japanese world, the taste has an umami taste with a refreshing tinge of pine in it. Talking about the aroma of this cultivar, it is quite fresh and floral. This kind of aroma soothes your mind and gives it the peace that it needs after a long, tiring day.
Moreover, the Tsuyuhikari cultivar contains high caffeine content. Therefore, if you’re looking for something strong but also flavorsome, the Tsuyuhikari cultivar is your go-to.
Conclusion
Japanese tea has a wide range of varieties that you can choose from, and Tsuyuhikari cultivar is one of the best teas manufactured in Japan. If you want a caffeine boost along with some rich, umami, and floral taste, this is the cultivar you should go for. Tsuyuhikari cultivar also makes a great oolong tea. So, add this exotic green Tsuyuhikari cultivar to your tea collection and enjoy the sweet moments of your life.
Tsuyuhikari — 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