Tea of the Month for September is from Obubu Tea Farm
September Tea of the Month is Autumn Moon from Obubu Tea Farm. Known for their dedication to crafting artisanal Japanese green teas, Obubu Tea Farm delivers a high-quality Sencha that truly captures the essence of the autumn harvest. With its rich flavors and smooth character, Autumn Moon perfectly represents the heart of fall tea drinking. This tea has quickly become one of my seasonal favorites. Autumn Moon Sencha might be the next tea on your must-try list if you’re a tea lover who enjoys exploring different varieties. Harvested in the Fall, this unique green tea offers a distinct, mellow flavor that stands out from more robust Sencha teas. In this post, I’ll share my experience with Autumn Moon Sencha, including its flavor profile, mouthfeel, and why it’s a fantastic tea for those seeking a balanced, easy-drinking option.
What Is Autumn Moon Sencha?
Autumn Moon is a type of Sencha (a Japanese green tea) that is harvested in the autumn. While most people are familiar with spring harvested Sencha known for their brightness and bold flavors, autumn-harvested Senchas like Autumn Moon are different. The leaves used for this tea come from the later harvests, giving it a softer flavor profile. The Cultivar is Yabukita. Yabukita is Japan’s most common tea cultivar, and 70% of Japanese tea is made from it. A cultivar is a plant variety.
Brewing Tips: Getting the Best Flavor from Autumn Moon Sencha
To fully enjoy Autumn Moon Sencha, brewing temperature and time are key factors that can greatly influence the tea’s flavor profile. I steep the same tea leaves three different times:
- First steep: I used 70°C (158°F) water for 90 seconds, and this brew was by far the most flavorful. The lower temperature allowed the mellow, grassy, and vegetal notes to develop fully, resulting in a soft yet rich flavor profile with a smooth mouthfeel.
- Second steep: I increased the temperature to 80°C (176°F) for the second time brewing for 45 seconds. This produced a lighter brew with a more delicate flavor but slightly less complexity. It was still enjoyable but a bit less vibrant than the first brew.
- Third sleep: I slept at 90°C (194°F) for 30 seconds. The flavor was still there, so I could probably sleep it one or two more times.
If you’re brewing Autumn Moon Sencha for the first time, I recommend starting with lower temperatures and a longer steeping time (like the 70°C/158°F brew), which brings out the best flavors of this autumn-harvested tea. Experimenting with different water temperatures can give you varied results, so feel free to adjust to your personal taste preferences!
I also made a YouTube video of myself brewing this tea.
Tea Drinking Tips: Experiment with Water Sources
Depending on the water source, you might notice slight variations in flavor. For example, here in Washington State, my water gives the tea a slightly vegetal and grassy taste, complemented by a delightful fragrance. The tea has a smooth mouthfeel, neither too thick nor too thin, with little to no astringency, making it very easy to drink. It may taste different for you with the water you use.
Flavor Profile: Mellow and Satisfying
One of the standout qualities of Autumn Moon Sencha is its mellow flavor. It doesn’t hit you with bold, intense notes like some other green teas. Instead, it offers a balanced and mellow, highly enjoyable experience. If you prefer a tea that doesn’t overwhelm your palate but still delivers a rich, grassy, and vegetal flavor, this is a perfect choice.
The Unique Qualities of Autumn Moon Sencha
Autumn Moon is harvested later in the year, and that is where it gets its name. The tea has a striking yellow color when brewed. The aroma is inviting, reminiscent of a light vegetable broth. The leaves themselves are darker than those of a first flush (spring harvest). Instead of the bright green you might expect from a fresh green tea, Autumn Moon’s leaves are a deeper green with yellow specks, giving them a more rustic appearance.
Final Thoughts on Autumn Moon Sencha
If you’re a green tea fan or just getting into teas and you’re looking for something more mellow, Autumn Moon Sencha is a perfect choice. Its soft, vegetal, grassy flavors, mild aroma, and smooth mouthfeel make it a soothing, middle-ground tea perfect for sipping in the cooler months.
Whether you’re new to green tea or a seasoned enthusiast, this autumn-harvested Sencha offers something unique and delicious. Plus, supporting small tea farms like Obubu Tea Farm is a great way to broaden your tea palate while helping local producers thrive.
However, I must admit—my tea collection is growing faster than I can drink it! Between companies sending me teas and my own purchases, I’ve accumulated a vast collection of teas, including many from Japan. In the coming months, I plan to go deeper into each one, so stay tuned for more tea reviews and explorations.
-Jordan