Onsen, Yoshida-yaki and @Ureshino Tea (Ureshino, Saga) by Shigeki Ota Tea Factory

What is steamed Tamaryokucha, the mainstream of Ureshino-cha?

Ureshino tea is mostly steamed Tamaryokucha, or “steamed Tamaryokucha. Gyokuroicha is made almost the same way as Sencha, but it is dried without the rubbing process, so the tea leaves are not long and thin like Sencha’s, but rather have a “Magatama” shape, hence the name “Gyokuroicha.
There is a theory that the name “Gyokuroicha” is an acronym for “green tea” because of its rounded shape, or because of its similarity to the cloud patterns (gurin) seen in Buddhist paintings and temples.

There are two types of gyokuroicha, steamed and kama-yaki, depending on the method used to kill the green tea. Until the prewar period, most of the nation’s Gyokuroicha was “Kama-yaki Gyokuroicha,” but after the war, it was gradually replaced by steamed Gyokuroicha.

History of Shigeki Ota Tea Factory

This person is Yusuke Ota.

The name of the tea plant is Ota Shigeki Tea Plant.

The name of the tea garden, “Shigeki,” is the name of Yusuke’s grandfather.
In 1978, he shifted to pesticide-free cultivation by using fertilizers that the crops and soil really need, as well as safe wood vinegar, sugar, seaweed extract, various mineral materials, and effective microorganisms to control pests. In 1978, the company moved to pesticide-free cultivation.

Today, all of the tea plantation, which is about 3 hectares or more, is grown without pesticides.
The main product is Ureshino’s traditional steamed Tamaryokucha (green tea), and since 1988, black tea has also been produced.
The tea plantations are distributed in 15 locations on a slope at an altitude of 150m to 500m, and currently grow 9 varieties of tea.

Tea from Shigeki Ota Tea Factory

Ota Shigeki Tea Factory’s popular teas are its mainstay “steamed tama green tea” and “Ureshi black tea.
Of course, they are pesticide-free.
As mentioned above, Mr. Ota has been making tea without using pesticides for over 40 years.

Yabukita,” “Benifuuki,” “Saemidori,” “Fuji Kaori,” and others are naturally sweet with a deep aroma and a refreshing aftertaste.
In addition to steamed tama-yokucha, we also produce kama-yaki tama-yokucha. The tea is made using a method that is best suited to the variety.

Tea in general, and black tea in particular, is a fascinating beverage whose flavor changes depending on the growing conditions of the year and the fermentation process.
In particular, Japanese black tea made from tea leaves that have attracted an insect called “unka” has a gorgeous aroma that leaves a strong impression. The company has formed a black tea council with local tea growers to learn together and improve the quality of their tea products.

In addition, they also produce natural flavored teas using chamomile, mint, lemongrass, and fragrant osmanthus grown in their own garden. These, of course, are also pesticide-free.

This area is also along the Porcelain Road, which continues from Imari and Arita, and there are many kilns in this Ureshino area that make porcelain teapots mainly called “Yoshida-yaki.
The typical pattern of Yoshida-yaki is “dot. It has an authentic cuteness.
This kyusu is perfect for brewing Ota’s tama-yokucha or kama-yori tea.

Yusuke practices environmentally and human health-friendly agriculture, always keeping tradition and innovation, nostalgia and novelty in mind. He is making tea with full of originality, nurtured by the rich nature of Ureshino.

Here in the Ureshino area, the West Kyushu Shinkansen “Ureshino Onsen Station” is scheduled to be newly built, which will open in September 2022. In conjunction with this, a new global hotel is being built and roads are being prepared.
With the opening of the Shinkansen, if many customers drink tea from this area, it will help solve the problems of abandoned tea gardens, which will increase. I have high expectations for this project.

Basic Information on Ota Shigeki Tea Plant

Brand name: Ureshino tea (Ureshino City, Saga Prefecture)
Producer Name:Ota Shigeki Tea Factory
Address: 938 Kou Iwayakawauchi, Ureshino-cho, Ureshino-shi, Saga-ken
◆HP：https://www.sagaryo.co.jp/