Fujikaori

 

 

 

 

 

Fujikaori: Jasmine-like fragrance, branded in Fujieda

   

 

 

Cultivar Characteristics

 “Fujikaori” was selected and raised from hybrid seedlings of “Shizuinzatsu 131” and “Yabukita” by Mr. Ichiji MORIZONO and Mr. Miyoshi KOYANAGI of Fujieda City (Shizouka Prefecture). The registration of this variety was completed in 1996 under the Seed and Seedling Law of Japan.

 “Fujikaori” is a slightly early-maturity cultivar; two to three days earlier than “Yabukita”. The type of tree is open book and the strength of the tree is extremely vigorous. The mature leaves are similar to one of its parents, “Shizuinzatsu131”, known by their short tips, long oval in shape, and dark green leaf color. The tea buds in the harvesting period are large and the weight of one hundred buds is larger. The yield is comparable to “Yabukita”. It is weak against cold-resistant laceration-type frost damage, strong against disease-resistant anthracnose and ring spot, but extremely weak against red blight.

 

Quality characteristics

As for the quality of processed tea, its appearance is thicker than that of “Yabukita” with a dark green color and a slightly darker tinge. The aroma is extremely high and has a jasmine-like fragrance. The flavor is rich and deep, but some bitterness also remains. In terms of chemical components, it has a high content of amino acids, caffeine and catechin, leaving a strong impact.

 

Notes on cultivation

Although the tree has extremely vigorous strength, it is necessary to pay attention to the tailing of young trees since the number of branches branching out from the main trunk is small immediately after planting and the branching tends to be rough and sparse. It is also vulnerable to red blight and laceration frost damage, so it is necessary to pay attention not only to cold weather, but also to wind control.

 

Notes on processing

Since a parent of “Fujikaori” is “Shizuinzatsu131”, it has a rich and distinctive flavor. It is necessary to be conscious of the characteristics for the production of crude tea and commercialization. It has a thick leaf which tends to be blackish, and bitterness tends to appear, but it is possible to improve the taste a little by steaming well.

 

Dissemination and land suitability for cultivation

 “Fujikaori” is a cultivar that is supported by the city government, tea merchants, agricultural cooperatives, and producers among the Fujieda Tea Promotion Council, which deals from 20,000 nursing seedlings, production and product development every year. Therefore, it is disseminated mainly in and around Fujieda City. Since the cold resistance is weak, therefore a warm-temperature region without frost damage is suitable for cultivation.