Description
IRIKA Sapphire is classified as a blue tea (semi-fermented tea) / Japanese-made oolong tea (和製烏龍茶).[1] IRIKA Sapphire (釜炒り青茶 IRIKA Sapphire) is classified as a blue tea/oolong and is available as a bottled tea in the Imperial tier.[2] IRIKA Sapphire is classified as a blue tea (oolong), specifically a kamairi (pan-fired) blue tea (釜炒り青茶), available in the Imperial tier.[3] IRIKA Sapphire is bottled in 750 mL bottles.[3] The producer of IRIKA Sapphire's tea leaves (Miyazaki Chabou) began experimenting with oolong tea production approximately 20 years ago, inspired by Taiwanese tea, using self-taught methods.[1]
Key Ingredients
IRIKA Sapphire is made from the Takachiho cultivar (たかちほ), with tea trees aged over 50 years.[1] IRIKA Sapphire tea leaves are sourced from Gokase Town, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture.[1] IRIKA Sapphire is produced by Miyazaki Chabou, located in a World Agricultural Heritage area at an altitude of 500–800 m, which has practiced organic farming using no pesticides and only organic fertilizers since the 1980s.[1] IRIKA Sapphire is made exclusively from organically grown tea leaves with no pesticides or chemical fertilizers, hand-picked for Royal Blue Tea.[1] IRIKA Sapphire uses the tea cultivar 'Sakimidori' (さきみどり).[3]
Key Techniques
IRIKA Sapphire tea leaves are cultivated using the arc-training (弧状仕立) method.[1] IRIKA Sapphire tea leaves are hand-picked (手摘み).[1] IRIKA Sapphire is produced by Miyazaki Chabou, located in a World Agricultural Heritage area at an altitude of 500–800 m, which has practiced organic farming using no pesticides and only organic fertilizers since the 1980s.[1] IRIKA Sapphire undergoes a non-heated cold extraction process lasting 5 days.[1] IRIKA Sapphire is produced using a pan-firing (釜炒り) technique instead of steaming, which deactivates enzymes through moisture released from the leaves and halts fermentation.[1] IRIKA Sapphire undergoes withering (萎凋), a process where harvested leaves are left in a well-ventilated dark place to slightly wilt, promoting micro-fermentation by internal enzymes.[1] IRIKA Sapphire is classified as a blue tea (oolong), specifically a kamairi (pan-fired) blue tea (釜炒り青茶), available in the Imperial tier.[3] IRIKA Sapphire tea leaves are cultivated using the arc-training (弧状仕立) method and hand-picked.[3] IRIKA Sapphire is produced by placing new tea buds in an iron kettle, firing them over direct heat, and drying them while kneading in the kettle — the traditional kamairi pan-firing technique.[3]
Tasting Notes
IRIKA Sapphire has tasting notes of a distinctive gardenia-like (クチナシの花) aroma and a clean, refreshing flavor.[1]
Awards and Recognitions
The Gokase area of Miyazaki Prefecture, where IRIKA Sapphire's tea is grown, was designated a World Agricultural Heritage site in 2015.[1]
Food Pairing Suggestions
IRIKA Sapphire is described as pairing well with any cuisine without overpowering it, owing to its refined flavor.[3]
References
- [1]Producerhttps://online.royalbluetea.com/?pid=170052769
- [2]Producerhttps://online.royalbluetea.com/?mode=grp&gid=2621955
- [3]Producerhomepage