かぶせ茶 (Kabusecha)

Mie Prefecture's tea industry is built around kabusecha — concentrated infrastructure that no other origin replicates.
Theanine 1.0–1.8% dry weight; price 30–50% of gyokuro; brewing temp 60-70°C optimum.
Premium loose-leaf retail, single-origin tea bags, RTD super-premium beverage.
Mid-tier between sencha and gyokuro, produced under 7–10 days of shade cover (vs gyokuro's 20+ days). Mie Prefecture produces over 60% of Japan's kabusecha; Wazuka (Kyoto) and Yame (Fukuoka) also produce. Profile balances sencha's astringency with gyokuro's umami at a fraction of gyokuro's price point. Increasingly used by D2C tea brands targeting buyers who want gyokuro-adjacent quality without the price.
| Japão | JAS / Tea standards apply |
|---|---|
| União Europeia | Food import; CosIng for cosmetic extract |
| Estados Unidos | GRAS for food; MoCRA for cosmetic use |
| China | Imported tea; GACC registration required |