Summer Teas
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.
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
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
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
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
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 ...
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”.
