Kabuse Yamanoibuki

“Yamano Ibuki” means "Mountain Breath" in English. This is a relatively new variety, registered in 1997. Mainly cultivated in mountainous area in Shizuoka prefecture. The name "kabuse" comes from the Japanese verb "kabuseru", which means "to shade." As in the case of gyokuro, during the growing season, young shoots are sheltered from sunlight in order to increase their theanine content, reduce astringency and enhance aroma. Unlike gyokuro, whose plantations are equipped with a stationary awning, for the kabuse-cha standard, a protective fabric is used that directly covers the tea bushes. The second difference is the shading time: from 3 to 10 days for kabuse and 21 days for gyokuro.