Sítio Shimada Chá Preto da Vovó

Description

Chá da Vovó from Sítio Shimada is an unusual black tea (Chá Preto) from São Paulo state, Brazil. Most tea in Brazil is grown in this state as the climate and landscape provide excellent tea growing conditions. Most Brazilian-grown teas are destined for the tea bag and tea extract markets and therefore are not of very good quality. Chá da Vovó grown by the Shimada Family is an exception to this as they produce a true artisanal style tea of highest quality that is grown in a biodynamic fashion and to organic standards. We source this tea directly from Sítio Shimada (previously known as Obaatian). January 2024 harvest.

Here is a small video about the inspirational people behind this unique Brazilian black tea and the production process of Chá da Vovó at Sítio Shimada:

Chá da Vovó (or Grandmother’s Tea) is produced on a family tea plantation that is managed by the family of Dona Ume Shimada. At the age of 83 in 2014 with the help of her family she resurrected a tea garden in Registro. Utilising some unique tea processing machinery, they have managed to produce a truly spectacular black tea of highest quality and most unusual terroir.

The bud and two leaves of this tea are hand plucked from tea plants of the Assamica varietal and carefully hand processed. The character of this tea is strong as dictated by the plants that are used for it. However the dark leaves produce a liquor that lacks much of the astringency that can be often found in other teas made from the Assamica varietal. The liquor is medium strength with a malty and balanced flavour. Lack of astringency brings out some sweetness in this tea. There are fruity notes evident, such as of sweet citrus, that complete the flavour. We also found some tobacco and leather notes that add to complexity of flavours. The aftertaste is lasting, with a pleasant lightly tannic effect.

Chá da Vovó Brazilian Black tea is best brewed at 90°C for 2-3 minutes according to your taste. It should also be brewed multiple times, slowly increasing the steeping time with each subsequent brew.

This Chá da Vovó Brazilian Black tea was last featured in our April 2024 Curious Tea Subscription Boxes.