{"slug":"gyokuro","name":"Gyokuro","steep_time":{"low_seconds":90,"high_seconds":150},"steep_temperature":{"low_c":50,"high_c":60,"low_f":122,"high_f":140},"web_url":"https://timebeforetea.com/teas/gyokuro","title":"How to Brew Gyokuro","description":"Steep Gyokuro for 1m 30s – 2m 30s at 50°C – 60°C (122°F – 140°F). A step-by-step brewing guide from Time Before Tea.","steps":[{"name":"Measure your tea","text":"Use about one teaspoon of Gyokuro leaves per 8 oz cup."},{"name":"Heat the water","text":"Bring fresh water to 50°C – 60°C (122°F – 140°F). Water that is too hot will scorch the leaves."},{"name":"Steep","text":"Pour the water over the leaves and steep for 1m 30s – 2m 30s. Start at the shorter time and taste as you go."},{"name":"Strain and serve","text":"Remove the leaves as soon as the steep is done so the tea does not turn bitter."}],"faqs":[{"question":"What temperature should water be for gyokuro?","answer":"122–140°F (50–60°C), much cooler than other green teas. Cool water brings out its sweetness and umami without the bitterness."},{"question":"How long should you steep gyokuro?","answer":"90 seconds to 2½ minutes for the first steep, using a lot of leaf in a small amount of water. Later steeps are shorter and hotter."},{"question":"What's the difference between gyokuro and sencha?","answer":"Gyokuro is shaded for about three weeks before harvest, which makes it sweeter, more savory, and less bitter. Sencha is grown in full sun and tastes brighter and grassier. Gyokuro is brewed with much cooler water."},{"question":"Does gyokuro have more caffeine than other green tea?","answer":"Yes. Shading raises caffeine as well as L-theanine, so gyokuro is one of the most caffeinated teas, though the small servings and cool water keep a typical cup moderate."},{"question":"Why is gyokuro so expensive?","answer":"Shading takes labor and lowers yields, the leaves are hand-picked in spring, and only a small amount is made. It's also one of the most carefully processed teas in Japan."},{"question":"Can you cold brew gyokuro?","answer":"Yes, and it's excellent cold. Use about 10 g per 17 oz (500 ml) of cold water and refrigerate for 3–6 hours, or try the ice brew method for a small, concentrated cup."}],"product_handles":[],"store_available":false}