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The Japanese word "kuradashi" is made up of two words, kura meaning storehouse and dashi meaning to remove or take out. Consequently, kuradashi means taking out from the warehouse. In the time before refrigerated warehouses, special storehouses (kuras) were built in cool locations. In the spring, some of the first flush tea for the local ruler or Shogun was carried to the kura The kura protected the tea from the heat of the summer months and allowed its taste to develop the mellow Umami and deep flavor that Sencha naturally possesses. In mid-autumn the tea was removed from the kura, carried ceremoniously in a palanquin, and presented to the Shogun. |
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In 2010, the Shizuoka Prefecture government built a replica of the kura that was used by the Shogun Tokugawa who lived from 1542 to 1616. The replica kura was built in Ikawa in Shizuoka at an elevation of over 3,000 ft. Once the kura was completed, our parent company, Shirakata-Denshiro Shoten, was allowed to store a small quantity of first flush tea there. We brought our first flush premium Sencha (Shincha) to the kura in May. (You can read the story of when we brought our tea to the kura this July on our Facebook page. Click here for Facebook.) In November, we removed our tea from kura and produced our Kuradashi Sencha. Den’s Tea imported some of the Kuradashi Sencha to California by air shipment. Since the quantity is limited, we are using the same packaging that is being used in Japan. This year's Kuradashi Sencha is made with Chu-mushi (middle steaming). The steaming time for this tea is between regular Sencha and deep steamed Fukamushi Sencha. The flavor is very mature and buttery. Quantity of this seasonal tea is limited, so order soon and taste a little bit of tea history. |
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Den's Preferred Brewing:Water: 2oz @ 160F
Leaves: 2 grams or 1 rounded teaspoon
Steep: 90 sec
2nd Cup: Water @ 180F; Steep 30 sec
Hint: Pour brewed tea into a teacup little by little. This delicate wave brings a creamy taste.