Chagama (Marumo Mori)

In November, I accepted a very kind invitation from Marumo Mori's CEO to visit chagama, the tea company's retail shop in Shizuoka city.

Marumo Mori/マルモ森 has been producing tea in Shizuoka since 1958.  Chagama has been serving tea to the community since May 2014 and is located a short distance from Sunpu Park on the northeast side of the Passage Takajo retail center.

The tea shop interior is bright and welcoming with modern decor.  At the counter near the entrance guests can order tea to enjoy during their visit or as take-away, including tea lattes, cold infusions, and seasonal favorites.

While I did not have the opportunity to see it in action, the shop boasts a green tea espresso machine where even delicate, low-temperature teas like gyokuro can be prepared. 

Chagama offers a selection of over 70 teas, most of which are produced in Shizuoka and delivered fresh from the factory each morning.  Teas are sold loose in clear packs and tins, as well as in pyramid (tetra) tea bags.  Teaware and foods that pair well with tea are also available for purchase. 

Shortly after arriving, I was guided to the large tea tasting bar where shelves of teas used in tasting events line the wall.  As soon as I was seated, I received a sample of tasty azuki bean cookie.  It's always a good idea to have a little food before diving into a tea tasting.  

Chagama takes its name from the tea kettle used in Japanese tea ceremony.  Water is heated in the iconic iron chagama.  From here, it is scooped with a hishaku (ladle), poured into a yuzamashi (water cooler) and then into the kyusu (teapot) once the temperature is ideal.

Shiori was my host and guide throughout the tea tasting session.  She expertly prepared each sample, warming each teacup between servings, and holding the yuzamashi with her hands to test for the appropriate water temperature.  

Drop-ins are welcome at chagama and I was joined shortly into my tea tasting session by a regular.  I really appreciated the sense of community and friendship among the regulars and the staff. 

The teas we tasted were:

Kuradashi Sencha (orange label) from Shizuoka.

Kuradashi Sencha (yellow label) from Shizuoka.

Gyokuro from Shizuoka.

Yutaka Midori Sencha (fukamushi) from Kagoshima.

Umegashima Sencha (asamushi) from Shizuoka

Thanks to everyone at chagama and Marumo Mori for making this visit so memorable!  I look forward to the next visit!

Address: 〒420-0839 静岡県静岡市葵区鷹匠２丁目１０
2 Chome-10 Takajō, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka-shi, Shizuoka-ken 420-0839

Hours:  

10:00am to 7:00pm 

Closed Monday

Tea Review: Gyokuro (Marumo Mori/Chagama)

Advent Tea Calendar Day 10

Gyokuro
Chagama/Marumo Mori
Type: Green
Origin: Japan, Shizuoka
Product Description: Not provided.

Temperature: 140° F
Amount: 3 grams
Steeping Time: 1 minute

The dry leaves have a bold green aroma with notes of sweet Autumn squash and savory cashew nuts.

The infusion is clear, bright and green with a light and sweet green aroma and taste and savory umami throughout.

After the first infusion the tea took on a hint of astringency, creating a brisk green taste that had been mellow in the first cup.  A slightly longer first steeping of 1.5-2 minutes brings out more of the fresh green taste.

Tea Review: Kuradashi Sencha (Marumo Mori/Chagama)

Advent Tea Calendar Day 1

Kuradashi Sencha
Chagama/Marumo Mori
Type: Green
Origin: Japan, Shizuoka
Product Description: Not provided.

Temperature: 175° F
Amount: 3 grams
Steeping Time: 2 minutes

The dry leaves have an aroma of fresh cut grass with marine notes of saltwater, nori, and nuts.

The bright green infusion has an aroma of fresh cut sun-warmed grass, savory broth, and cooked edamame (soy beans).  The taste is smooth and green with moderate astringency and a long green finish.

This tea produced three bold infusions with a fresh green flavor and aroma.  After a second steeping the tea became opaque and vividly green and the third steeping had taken on a sweet flavor and aroma.  I would expect flavorful results from at least two more infusions.