This special 2025 first flush sencha from Tokunoshima Island from the hybrid Sun Rouge cultivar is the product of many years of research and hard work to create a tea with very special characteristics that make it suitable for growing in a tropical climate, less than ideal soil and an altitude of 160m above sea level and give it a unique reddish-purple colour along with potential health benefits. The tea leaves on the plant are reddish purple and turn dark purple, almost black, when processed and purple when made into a tea. The purple colour of this tea comes from the anthocyanin pigment (the same pigment that is in beets and purple sweet potatoes). Anthocyanin is a flavonoid (a subgroup of the polyphenol family) that is being studied for potential health benefits. Sun Rouge sencha has less amino acid than most sencha teas so it has less umami flavour than most sencha teas and the astringency of the tannins are more noticeable. We recommend squeezing some lemon or lime juice into the tea for an extra-refreshing citrous flavour along with a colour change from purple to bright pink (for both cold and hot brewed tea). Packaging options explained Description Cultivar: Sun Rouge Region: Tokunoshima Seicha-en, Tokunoshima Island, Kagoshima Prefecture 50 g To make hot tea Tea: 7 g or 1 tbsp Water: 250-300 mL at 70-80 °C Steep: 1-1.5 min. (Try with a squeeze of lemon or lime) To make cold brewed tea Tea: 10 g or 1.5 tbsp Water: 500 mL (2 cups) at room temperature Steep: 2-6 hours in the fridge (Try with a squeeze of lemon or lime)
