Winter Teas
Maker Spotlight: Hekisuien
Our partner for over 15 years, Hekisuien is a revered Uji, Kyoto-based tea producer dedicated to selecting, aging and blending some of the most exquisite matcha and gyokuro. With a heritage dating back to 1867, Hekisuien stands apart for its refined craftsmanship and timeless approach to Japanese tea.
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.
Maker Spotlight: The Nishi Family
The Nishi family is celebrated throughout Japan for their exquisite quality teas and recognized for their dedication to organic tea farming. Rishi has partnered with the Nishi family since 2005.
Garden Direct Spring Harvest Field Report
Spring harvest season is underway, and with it comes the anticipation of fresh, vibrant teas from across the globe. From early batches of sun-dried teas in Yunnan and Thailand to the slow-growing buds of Japan’s Shincha and Darjeeling’s first flush, we’re tracking weather, quality and timing to bring you the best of the season. Explore what’s arriving soon at Rishi and what we’re most excited about this spring.
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.
What Is Gyokuro?
Gyokuro, “jade dew”, is a rare shade-grown green tea from Japan. Shaded in a similar style to matcha, Gyokuro has a deep emerald color, rich taste, and high caffeine.
Kuradashi: Fine Aged Japanese Green Teas
Japanese Kuradashi tea, intentionally “aged tea released for sale” is a unique and highly sought-after style of tea in Japan. Kuradashi tea are teas that have benefited from aging in the traditional method of storing and maturing green tea leaves for 1-2 years in special storage conditions, resulting in a distinctive flavor profile and enhanced quality.
Kyoto, Japan
Tea holds great importance in Kyoto, Japan, where it has a rich history and cultural significance. Kyoto has long been considered a center for tea ceremony and Japanese tea culture.
Maker Spotlight: Rikio-san
Discover one of our favorite new tea farmers in the Hon Yama region of Japan.
Darjeeling First Flush Harvest
Darjeeling is one of most celebrated tea origins in the world and is a paragon of terroir flavor expression, earning it the title the “Champagne of Tea”. The name of the region derives from Dori Ling, the very place where the Hindu deity Indra’s thunderbolt struck the ground.
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.
The Story of Ancient Tea in Thailand: Doi Wawee
Tea cultivation and tea eating culture spread to northern Thailand during the 11th and 12th centuries, if not earlier. There are some assumptions about the first appearance of ancient tea trees in the northern region of Thailand.
Pussimbing Garden, Tiger Hill Peak
The Pussimbing Tea Estate, located in Darjeeling's Tiger Hill Peak, has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. Their teas are renowned for their unique fruity, wintergreen, and minty characteristics, along with vintage Muscatel flavors in the second flush.
