Joshua Kaiser, founder of Rishi Tea, exploring a verdant tea garden in pursuit of the finest leaves.

Biodiversity: What Makes Rishi Tea An Exceptional Standard In Sustainability

The Cha Siam Organic Tea Project in Northern Thailand embodies Rishi's commitment to biodiversity, where tea plants grow symbiotically with native jungle species to enhance the ecosystem and produce teas with rich, complex flavors. By supporting biodiverse, non-interventionist farming practices, Rishi ensures that every cup of tea reflects the natural environment it comes from.
A Decade of Direct Trade Impact: Our Thai Tea Origins

A Decade of Direct Trade Impact: Our Thai Tea Origins

Rishi Tea celebrates a decade of impact through its Direct Trade partnership with the Mae Taeng tea farmers of Northern Thailand. Rooted in a region where tea culture dates back centuries, Rishi’s collaboration has empowered communities to transition from traditional Miang tea production to thriving organic black tea farming. By revitalizing old tea forests, embracing sustainable practices, and enhancing biodiversity, Rishi has helped local farmers preserve their rich tea heritage while expanding their market reach. This partnership highlights the evolution of Thailand’s tea industry and brings the unique flavors of Mae Taeng's terroir to a global audience.
Nishi-San's Organic Vintage Matcha

Nishi-San's Organic Vintage Matcha

The Nishi family's expertly crafted, organic Vintage Matcha selection brings four unique cultivars—Saemidori, Kanayamidori, Asanoka, and Asatsuyu—aged for over a year to enhance umami depth and flavor complexity. 
Direct Trade Tea & Botanicals

Direct Trade Tea & Botanicals

At Rishi Tea & Botanicals we set our own progressive standards for ethical trade and direct sourcing. Like wine, many teas come from heritage gardens with a storied legacy. This is not like purchasing a bulk commodity on the international market. 
How to Brew Tea with a Kyusu

How to Brew Tea with a Kyusu

The kyusu is a traditional teapot ideal for brewing pure Japanese green teas. 
Teapot on table with tea leaves, cup and books

What is Gongfu Cha? Exploring the Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony

Gongfu Cha (literally, “Kung Fu Tea”) is a traditional Chinese term that refers to brewing tea with discipline and skill.
How to Cold Brew Tea

How to Cold Brew Tea

The process of cold-brewing steeps tea leaves slowly, using time rather than temperature to release flavors and catechins gently.
How to Make Ceremonial Matcha

How to Make Ceremonial Matcha

Learn how to prepare ceremonial matcha in the traditional style with Japanese tea master Ryo Iwamoto.
How to Brew Loose Leaf Tea in a Gaiwan

How to Brew Loose Leaf Tea in a Gaiwan

Brewing with a Gaiwan, the traditional Chinese tea brewing vessel, can seem intimidating, but with a little practice and following the right guidance, it is easy to master.
How To Brew Loose Leaf Tea In A Simple Brew

How To Brew Loose Leaf Tea In A Simple Brew

Regardless of the category of tea you would like to brew, many factors affect the flavor of the tea and overall tasting experience. Variables include brewing vessel, water temperature, steep time, dosage, and even quality of water!
Why Water Temperature is Important When Brewing Tea

Why Water Temperature is Important When Brewing Tea

When you use the correct water temperature it can open up a whole world of flavor that you never knew existed within tea.
What is Tea? – Origins and Categorization of Camellia Sinensis

What is Tea? – Origins and Categorization of Camellia Sinensis

The modern tea world recognizes six categories of tea: green, yellow, white, oolong, black, and dark (Pu'er). The main attribute by which a tea is put into one ...
tea drunk

Cha Qi & Tea Drunk

Qi in the Chinese language represents the lifeforce energy or the breath of life. Cha Qi is an elusive term with a slightly intangible definition. The literal translation is “tea energy”.
Japanese Green Tea

Japanese Green Tea

Japan is renowned for green teas with a natural and vivid green color, fresh bitter sweetness, and famed umami flavor. This unique character is typically imparted when the tea is steam fired. 
Earthenware-and-clay-teaware

How to Choose Teaware for Gongfu Cha

Gongfu Cha (literally, “Kung Fu Tea”) is a traditional Chinese term that refers to brewing tea with discipline and skill.

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