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Tamaryokucha (Guricha)

玉緑茶, guricha

7.3/10 editor's score

A Japanese green tea from Kyushu, rolled into comma-shaped curls instead of needles. Tangy and berry-like with a long almond finish.

KyushuCurledFruity
↓ Jump to brew guideAbout this teaCompare

Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

Dry leaf of Tamaryokucha (Guricha), top-down

What you need

3 g leafTamaryokucha (Guricha)
250 ml water70 to 80°C
Steep 1:002 steeps
LiquorGolden yellow
Served inKyūsu and yunomi

At a glance

A Japanese green tea from Kyushu, rolled into comma-shaped curls instead of needles.

CaffeineMedium~20 to 40 mg
Beginner fit8.0 / 10From the editor's score
HarvestSpringFirst flush.
Pairs withFruit, Mochi, Grilled fishLess good with strong spice
Grown atKyushu hillsUreshino, Saga, Kyushu
Served inKyūsu and yunomiJapanese teapot, tall cup

About Tamaryokucha (Guricha)

What sources say about the taste

Sources describe a tangy, berry-like taste with a long almondy aftertaste, and aromas of citrus, grass and berries 1.

01 · Aroma

First sip

Lift the cup and smell before you drink.

02 · Taste

Middle

Let it sit on the tongue for a moment.

03 · Finish

Finish

What stays after you swallow.

Hover or tap a noteBigger image and more dots mean a stronger note.

Notes and intensities are an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not our own tasting.

Where it grows

Ureshino, SagaKyushuJAPAN
Made in
Kyushu 1
Shape
Comma-shaped curls, not needles 1
Methods
Steamed or, rarely, pan-fired 1
Ureshino
Tea grown there since 1504 2

More from Ureshino, Saga and Japan.

History and culture

Tea production in Ureshino dates back to 1504, when it was introduced from China 2.

Editor's score

7.3/10

Weighted across six criteria: flavour 30%, heritage 20%, availability 15%, value 15%, beginners 10%, versatility 10%.

Based on published sources, not yet tasted. Rates the tea style, not a brand. How we score →

1086Flavour & complexity: 7.5Origin & heritage: 7.5Availability: 6.0Value: 7.5Beginner-friendliness: 8.0Versatility: 7.0Flavour 7.5Heritage 7.5Availability 6.0Value 7.5Beginners 8.0Versatility 7.0
Taste profile and caffeine

Profile is an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not a lab measurement or our own tasting.

Caffeine

Brewed coffee~95 mg
Black tea (average)~47 mg
Tamaryokucha (Guricha)~20 to 40 mg
Green tea (average)~28 mg

Caffeine is normal for green tea 1. The amount is our estimate. Per 8 fl oz (240 ml) cup. Coffee and tea averages from Mayo ClinicC.

Harvest calendar

A spring green tea. Tap a month or a season.

Cultivars and plant

Camellia sinensis grown in Kyushu 1.

How it is made
01Kill-green

Steamed, or pan-fired 1.

02Rolling

Curled into commas 1.

03Drying

Dried.

Dry leaf and liquor
Dry leafSmall, curly, deep green commas.
LiquorGolden yellow 1.
After steeping
Wet leafTender green leaves.

The colour swatch is an approximate guide, not a photograph.

Food pairings and storage

Works well

  • Fruit
  • Mochi
  • Grilled fish

Best avoided

  • Strong spice

Pairings are general suggestions from the tea's style, not tested matches.

Storage

  • Airtight, opaque container, away from light, heat and smells.
  • Green tea fades fastest: aim to finish it within 3 to 6 months of opening.
  • Unopened sealed packs can go in the fridge. Let them reach room temperature before opening.
Grades and fakes

Steamed (mushi-sei) and pan-fired (kamairi) styles 1.

How to spot a poor or fake one

  1. The pan-fired style smells more of cooked vegetables 1.
  2. Look for Kyushu origin.
FAQ
Why is it curly?

It is rolled into comma shapes rather than needles 1.

Find it inGreen teasTeas from JapanUreshino, SagaKyushuCurledFruity

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, "Tamaryokucha". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamaryokucha
  2. Wikipedia, "Ureshino, Saga". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ureshino,_Saga
  3. Mayo Clinic, "Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more". www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372

Scores and content updated 30 Oct 2026.