Summer Recipe: "056 Yabukita Usuki" with Chilled Shiruko

"Yabukita" is a representative variety of Japanese tea. "056 Yabukita Usuki," produced in Usuki City, Oita Prefecture, offers a robust astringency typical of Japanese tea. This astringency pairs perfectly with traditional Japanese sweets. Chilled shiruko, featuring the rich flavor of red bean paste and the smooth texture of shiratama, is a treat that makes you feel grateful to live in Japan when enjoyed with this tea. While it's nice to enjoy it in an air-conditioned room, this pairing makes you want to savor it on a veranda.

Summer Recipe: "056 Yabukita Usuki" and Chilled Shiruko

Usuki City in Oita Prefecture is a foggy region with a mild climate ideal for tea cultivation. The frequent fog acts as a natural veil, blocking sunlight and resulting in tea with moderate astringency and sweet aroma.

With its elegant aroma characteristic of Yabukita and its vivid green color, this tea is particularly beautiful when served in glassware, allowing you to enjoy it visually as well.

<Ingredients>

4g of "056 Yabukita Usuki" tea leaves
120ml of 60°C water (for the first infusion)
120ml of 80°C water (for the second infusion)

<Brewing Method>

【1】Brew the First Infusion

Place the tea leaves in a teapot, pour 120ml of 60°C water, steep for 1 minute and 30 seconds, then pour into a glass server.

【2】Brew the Second Infusion

Add 120ml of 80°C water to the teapot, steep for 20 seconds, then add to the first infusion.

【3】Pour into Glasses

Pour into glasses to serve. Enjoy with chilled shiruko.

This recipe uses slightly lower temperatures to prevent excessive astringency, allowing you to enjoy its refined aroma. The moderate astringency and refreshing fragrance perfectly complement the sweetness of red bean paste. Please give it a try.

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