Sofu

Sofu is an early-season tea variety certified in 2002, developed over 25 years from crossing Yabukita × Seiinzatsu131. The harvesting period is about 4 days earlier in suitable locations, allowing for harvest period distribution. The tree form is somewhat spreading with good cutting root formation and excellent growth in young tree stage. The greatest characteristic is having sweet floral fragrance (oriental orchid type) not found in previous green tea varieties. For green tea, it has somewhat strong astringency but good liquor color, and is particularly excellent in aroma for oolong tea. It is strong against ring spot disease and somewhat strong against anthracnose and red leaf blight, but medium against mochi disease and weak against red burn disease. Suitable for cultivation in warm and temperate regions less susceptible to late frost damage.