How does the standard growing condition for Sencha contrast with that required for Gyokuro production?

Answer

Gyokuro production requires covering the bushes to shield them from sunlight, whereas Sencha is grown fully exposed.

The fundamental difference between Sencha and Gyokuro lies in their light exposure during the critical period before harvest. Sencha, being the most common Japanese green tea, is cultivated entirely in full sunlight, which allows for a more traditional flavor profile that balances grassiness with some astringency. Conversely, Gyokuro production mandates that the tea bushes be covered, shielding them from sunlight for a minimum of 20 days. This intensive covering differentiates Gyokuro chemically and texturally, creating the distinct, deep umami profile that shaded teas are famous for, a feature absent in standard sun-grown Sencha.

How does the standard growing condition for Sencha contrast with that required for Gyokuro production?

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