The Toyoka Tea Cultivar

Toyoka (とよか、豊香) is a cultivar named after Toyooka (豊岡) city in Hyogo prefecture.

Its name means “rich aroma”.

History of Toyoka

In 1948 at the agricultural experimental site in Toyooka city, Sayamamidori was crossed with Yabukita, and the best seedling was selected.

Then, in 1951, it was transferred to Saitama prefecture.

After much testing, Toyoka was finally registered in 1976 as cultivar number 33.

As you can see, it’s an old cultivar.

Characteristics of Toyoka

This cultivar’s mature and young leaves are slightly larger than those of Yabukita.

The young leaves have a green color with high luster.

Yield at harvest is higher than Yabukita, and it can be picked two days later.

Toyoka has a medium resistance to anthracnose, and is strong against cold weather.

As a sencha, the rolled leaves are a little thicker than those of Yabukita, but they have a good color.

The liquor color and taste are comparable in quality to Yabukita.

However, the aroma of Toyoka is different than Yabukita. Very vegetal.

It has a high umami taste, which isn’t surprising since it was originally meant as a cultivar for gyokuro production

Unfortunateliy, there wasn’t much gyokuro production in Saitama prefecture, and newer cultivars have taken its place.

You can still find it Japan anyway.