A wellspring of knowledge for your tea journey.
Journal /
origins and travel
A wellspring of knowledge for your tea journey.
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.
Pu'er County, Yunnan, China
Pu'er County, also located in Yunnan Province, China, plays a significant role in the history and production of Puer tea. This region is known for its tea cultivation areas, which encompass famous and ancient tea mountains, including key areas like Jinggu, Jingmai, and Mangjing.
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.
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.
Makers 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.
Garden Direct 2024 Spring Harvest
The 2024 tea harvest season, though delayed due to varied weather conditions, promises exceptional quality. Delays in high elevation and organic gardens mean late delivery but heightened taste and aroma. Stay tuned for Mingqian Silver Needles and White Peony King batches. Explore the vibrant Yunnan spring tea harvest and anticipate Organic Pu’er and Silver Needles white teas. Witness the journey from Japan's mountainous regions to Thailand's old tree roots, crafting unique blends like Rishi's Earl Grey. Amid Darjeeling's drought, our tasters await the limited first flush picks, ensuring only the finest teas reach discerning buyers.
The Story of Ancient Tea in Thailand and the Old Tea Trees Found in 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.
Yen Bai
Yen Bai, located in Northern Vietnam, is known for its production of unique spices and teas.
Lao Cai, Vietnam
Lao Cai, located in Northern Vietnam, is a region known for its rich tea production and cultural diversity. The province is nestled in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, providing an ideal environment for tea cultivation.
Zhenghe, Fujian, China
The tea region of Zhenghe, also located in the Fujian province of China, holds significant importance in the production and original development of traditional white tea. Zhenghe is known as the birthplace of white tea, where the first historical production of white tea took place sometime in the 18th Century.
Shikoku Islands, Japan
Shikoku Islands, located in southwestern Japan, is the smallest of the country's four main islands. It is known for its unique climate and agricultural practices.