Gyokuro (meaning "Jade Dew") is one of Japan's finest tea. It is said that a pound of this rare variety can sell for over a thousand dollars! Even I am not that much of a hardcore tea drinker to go for that.
This tea is so special that for about three weeks, the sensitive leaves are covered with special mats which help protect them from the sunlight. What does this result in? A cup that is darker in color and sweeter in flavor since there are less tannins. Tannins are what give tea a bitter taste and are released in greater abundance if over steeped.
This tea is so good it was once reserved only for the emperors, but today can be enjoyed by tea lovers around the world.
After the leaves are picked from the Camellia sinensis tea plant (where all tea comes from), they are steamed, then rolled into needle-like shapes. After that, they will be air-tight sealed and shipped to various merchants and distributors.
I'll admit that at the time of this writing I haven't really sampled enough of this variety to offer my personal opinions, but from what I researched I look forward to trying it and then sharing my recommendations with you.
