Asanoka
あさのか
The green tea cultivar Asanoka あさのか originated from a cross between the cultivar Yabukita and a Chinese variety at the Tea Research Institute in Chiran (Kagoshima) and was officially registered in 1996.
The variety has a high amino acid content, which is reflected in the flavour with a sweet and refreshing aroma that is reminiscent of sweet potato or chestnut and spreads gently in the mouth. However, the subtle, astringent flavour ensures that the tea does not leave any unpleasant sweetness behind. Due to its balanced flavour, Asanoka is often used as a base for tea blends.
Asanoka is mainly grown in Kagoshima, where the variety enjoys a very good reputation. The production volume of the still new cultivar is currently still relatively low and accounts for less than 1% of national production. However, as a hardy variety with a high yield, there is a possibility that production will spread throughout the country in the future.
However, one obstacle to this could be susceptibility to certain diseases. Good ventilation and sunlight help to prevent these - which works well in the high plateaus of Kagoshima, but could cause problems in more northerly regions.
