Kabusecha is a premium Japanese green tea, written in Japanese as 覆茶 (Kabusecha), meaning “covered tea.” Like Gyokuro and Matcha, it undergoes a shading process before harvest. Although its shading period is shorter than that of Gyokuro, Kabusecha remains one of Japan’s most iconic fine green teas.
Characteristics of Kabusecha
| Shade Cultivation | 7–10 days before harvesting, tea plants are covered with straw or black cloth to limit sunlight exposure. This process promotes the formation of L-theanine, reduces astringency, and enhances the tea’s mellow sweetness. Sitting right between Sencha and Gyokuro in terms of sun exposure, Kabusecha captures the finest qualities of both. |
| Rich Umami & Sweet Finish | Thanks to shade growing, Kabusecha yields a vibrant green liquor with a rich body and a lingering sweet finish. Rich in L-theanine, catechins, and chlorophyll, it delivers the refreshing quality of Sencha combined with the depth of Gyokuro. |
| An Accessible Fine Tea for Daily Enjoyment | With its balanced profile, Kabusecha is a premium green tea that offers an everyday alternative to the higher-priced Gyokuro. |
How Kabusecha Is Made
| Shade Growing | 7–10 days before harvest, black shading nets or straw cover the tea bushes to reduce astringency and enhance natural sweetness. |
| Harvesting Tender Leaves | Typically harvested in spring, selecting young shoots to ensure tender, delicate leaves. |
| Steaming Process | Like Sencha and Gyokuro, Kabusecha is steamed immediately after picking to preserve its vibrant green color and active compounds. |
| Rolling & Drying | The leaves are rolled to release flavor compounds, then dried into tight, needle-like strips. |
How to Brew Kabusecha
For best results, use water at 70–80°C (158–176°F), 3 g of tea leaves, and 150 ml of water. Steep for 40–60 seconds. For subsequent infusions, add 20–40 seconds per steep. You may also slightly increase the water temperature after the second steep to speed up flavor extraction.
Benefits and Value of Kabusecha
Combines the best of Sencha and Gyokuro: Features the crispness of Sencha alongside the savory sweetness of Gyokuro, creating a beautifully balanced flavor.
Shade-grown cultivation: Delivers rich umami and a lasting sweet finish—ideal for tea lovers who appreciate nuanced flavors.
Health & wellness benefits: Rich in antioxidants, with natural caffeine to boost focus and support metabolism.