Gyokuro (Japanese Shade Tea) This is Japan's premier green tea made from single buds that are picked once per year in April. In an effort to develop increased chlorophil, the tea is covered with black curtains or bamboo & straw shades for three weeks in early spring. Leaves are picked about 2 weeks after they are covered. The leaves are small - about 3/4's of an inch long & extremely fragrant & tender. Carefully prepared by light steaming, the dark green leaves produce a smooth, light green liquor. Gyokuro has been referred to as "history, philosophy and art in a single cup".