Winter Teas
Why Premium Teas Make the Finest Alcohol Alternative Drinks
Recent years have seen a notable decline in alcohol consumption—and a corresponding boom in alcohol alternative drinks. In most major cities, you can’t go far without encountering a sober drink pop-up, and many liquor aisles across the U.S. now stock alcohol replacement drinks. Whether motivated by health goals or changing values, more and more people are cutting back—and discovering they can do so without sacrificing the sensory and social pleasures of savoring an elegant drink. The preferred alternative for many? Premium tea.
Ode to Sencha: How to Taste the Nuances of Terroir, Cultivar & Craft
Everyone is talking about matcha, but did you know that the spring of 2025 produced one of the highest quality harvests of Japanese sencha in recent memory? We are absolutely enamored with the single-origin sencha selections in our Garden Direct program this year. Today we’d like to take you deeper into our range of 2025 sencha offerings, providing you with a framework to compare and contrast them. We’ll explore how different geographic regions of origin, tea bush cultivars, and processing details all influence the ultimate taste experience.
How to Make Iced Tea
From loose leaf to lattes, discover the coolest ways to brew.
Hibiscus: Tart, Timeless, and Rooted in Tradition
Hibiscus sabdariffa, commonly known as roselle, is a tropical plant with a rich history and many uses. From Egypt to West Africa, this vibrant botanical is revered for its refreshingly tart flavor, striking crimson hue and nourishing properties.
Journey to the Source: Uji, Japan
Revered as the origin of Japan’s finest matcha, Uji is a haven for centuries-old tea traditions. Discover how these deep-rooted practices have shaped matcha as we know it, cementing Uji’s legacy as an icon in the world of tea.
What is Shincha? Discover Japan’s First Harvest Green Tea of the Year
Shincha, or “new tea,” marks the first flush of Japan’s spring harvest—offering a vibrant, seasonal expression of green tea at its freshest. Prized for its bright aroma, tender leaves and rich umami flavor, shincha is sourced from renowned growing regions like Shizuoka and Kagoshima. This limited release is a once-a-year ritual for tea lovers around the world.
Through the Ages to Today: The Many Uses of Ginger
Zingiber officinale (ginger) is a flowering plant that originated in Southeast Asia and has been cultivated for its culinary and medicinal uses for thousands of years.
Journey to the Source: Gong Nong, Yunnan
Join us on a journey to the source of our Pu’er and Dian Hong teas.
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
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 Aged Matcha
The Nishi family's expertly crafted, organic aged matcha selection brings three unique cultivars—Saemidori, Sakimidori and Okumidori—aged for over a year to enhance umami depth and flavor complexity.
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
The kyusu is a traditional teapot ideal for brewing pure Japanese green teas.
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
The process of cold-brewing steeps tea leaves slowly, using time rather than temperature to release flavors and catechins gently.
