Oku Hikari is an organic sencha from the Shizuoka prefecture in Japan. This mid/deep steamed tea is offered by O-Cha.com.
Background
Oku Hikari can be described in one word: fun. With aromas similar to Yutaka Midori and playful tones of astringency, this sencha has a lively vibe.
The leaves range from light to medium shades of green. Interestingly, some of the leaves appear to be as wide as they are long. The fragrance of this tea is very reminiscent of Yutaka Midori: grassy, citrusy, and sweet.
Brewing Oku Hikari
4.9 grams of leaf is being used for 125ml of water. This is a little more than I usually use, but I have found using this amount of leaf with a shorter infusion time will create a more dynamic flavour.
Also, I am using a lower brew temperature. 74C seems to make for a sweeter brew compared to the recommended 77C.
(Those with a trained eye will know that I’m actually using rice cups in the picture above. Perhaps not quite the right thing to do, but they fit my mood. 🙂 )
Thoughts and Observations
The liquid is a vibrant shade of green. The first infusion is somewhat cloudy, but the second and third are virtually opaque.
The flavour has grassy overtones, and brothy undertones. There is an astringent aspect to this tea, but I find it adds to the taste in a playful way.
Later Infusions
For the second infusion, brew for 15 seconds at 77C (170F). For the third, brew for 45 seconds around 85C (185F). Fourth and fifth infusions are possible, but you are required to brew them for several minutes near boiling.
Oku Hikari is fun, vibrant sencha with a very refreshing taste. Priced competitively, this is a sencha everyone should try. 🙂
Dude… I’m SO glad you didn’t go from 4.9 grams to 5 grams as your brew would have been RUINED.
What are rice cups?
One of the fun things about Japanese tea is trying the long list of varietals available.
It’s a balancing act 😉
To be honest, I didn’t know they were rice cups until someone pointed it out to me. I really have no idea what they are…well, beyond being cups that you eat rice out of.
I think those are tea sized cups. The “rice” may be referring to the rice shaped pattern on the cups. These cups are made in China.
Thanks for the info 🙂
I really don’t know the background to these cups. I found them in a box in my basement, and I’m under the impression they had belonged to my grandmother.
If they actually are tea cups, even better. 😀