Japan is very much about region limited products and Lupicia is no exception. We’ve tried teas limited to Kyōto (1, 2), the Seto Inland Sea (1), and now this Lupicia Shekwasha Oolong is limited to the region of Okinawa.

The looseleaf has a pouchong or light oolong base that’s between a green tea and a classical oolong. It’s scented with the shequasar, a small, green citrus fruit rich in flavonoids and native to Taiwan and the Ryukyu Islands of Okinawa, Japan. The fruits have a very low sugar content and are very sour. Marigold petals are mixed into the loose leaf.

Steeping 3 g of loose leaf in 200 mL of water at 85°C for 3 minutes, the infusion was a clear straw colour with a zesty citrus aroma recalling the Lupicia Yuzu Green Tea. Served hot, the bright zesty notes of the shequasar came through at the head that developed with a hint of bitterness in the body. Rich, yet mild vegetal notes of the pouchong came through in the finish before a refreshing citrus aftertaste.

This tin of Lupicia Shekwasha Oolong contained 30 g. The tea was sourced from Taiwan, packaged in Japan, and gifted by family friends visiting Okinawa, Japan in 2018.