ICHOU Roasted Sencha - Organic Single Cultivar Roasted Green Tea from Shizuoka, Japan - POEMS Tea Atelier

ICHOU is a uniquely roasted Sencha, a tea that brings together the best of green tea freshness with the comforting depth of a roast. Crafted from 1st flush Yabukita leaves—Japan's most cherished tea cultivar—these spring leaves are carefully steamed and then gently roasted. This special process transforms the tea's character, creating a deeper, bolder aroma with a sweet, toasty finish.

This is not a traditional Hojicha; it's a Roasted Sencha. While Hojicha is typically made from older leaves, our ICHOU uses the delicate 1st-flush leaves, resulting in a complex, rich flavor that still retains a subtle green tea elegance.

The Story Behind ICHOU

• Pioneering Organic Farm: We source our tea from a family farm in Fujieda, Shizuoka, that has been a pioneer of organic farming in the region since the 1970s. Every batch is certified organic by Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS) and cultivated entirely through natural methods
• The Rare First-Flush Harvest: Made exclusively from the 1st harvest of the spring season, these young leaves pack a powerful natural flavour and a clean, vibrant character
• A Unique Expression of Nature: Without artificial environmental controls, both harvest yields and flavours vary seasonally. This makes every batch of ICHOU a true expression of nature—nuanced and never exactly the same

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

+ Certified Organic by Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS)

+ Region: Fujieda, Shizouka, Japan

+ Cultivar: Yabukita

+ Harvest: Spring (1st flush)

+ Net Weight: 50g 

FLAVOUR PROFILE

AROMA:  Toasted grains, subtle earthiness, and caramel-like notes

TASTE: A rich and balanced flavour. A gentle sweetness reminiscent of roasted chestnuts, followed by a soft, lingering finish

HOW TO ENJOY ICHOU

With its refreshing, mellow finish, ICHOU is an ideal choice for a daily ritual or an after-meal tea. Its warm, comforting notes make it a gentle delight for your palate and your stomach.

1. Heat Water: Heat up filtered water, cool it down using a water cooler to around 80°C (Using water that is too hot will make the tea bitter)
2. Measure Tea: Add 5g (approx. 1-2 teaspoon) of tea leaves per 250ml of water to your teapot
3. Steep: Steep for around 1 minute for the 1st infusion. For subsequent infusions, extend the time to 1-2 minutes
4. Pour: Pour the tea into your cup (or back to the water cooler), make sure to get every last drop to prevent the leaves from over-steeping.
5. Enjoy: Its toasty flavour pairs beautifully with savoury meals or on its own