Yuzu Sencha
Kirishima Organic

Tea Farm

Nishi Seicha is one of the largest and most renowned family-owned farms in southern Kyushu. The fields are surrounded by forests and hills in picturesque Makizono, Kirishima, a region benefitting from abundant morning dew and an ideal climate for tea cultivation. Under the leadership of tea legend Toshimi Nishi, the farm’s organic green teas flourish in the region’s nutrient-rich volcanic soil. Mr. Nishi's influence extends far beyond his own fields, with tea farmers hundreds of kilometers away looking up to Mr. Nishi as a role model.

Following the tragic loss of his father in an accident, Mr. Nishi suddenly had to take full responsibility of managing the family’s vast farm, one that was burdened with significant debt at the time. While many might have given up in the face of such adversity, Mr. Nishi persevered with tireless dedication, growing into the role of leader of one of Japan's largest, greatest farms. Today, not only does the farm have its own fields, but it also plays a vital role in supporting neighboring organic farmers. The exceptional quality of Mr. Nishi's teas is the result of his unique experience and his keen oversight of the fields using all of his senses, as well as the use of state-of-the-art machinery for processing and quality control.

Yuzu

Yuzu (柚子) is a citrus fruit of East Asian origin with complex aromas of acidic lemon, bitter grapefruit and sweet tangerine. The fruit is particularly popular in Japan and Korea as a natural flavouring in food and drinks. Since the 18th century, yuzu essential oil has also traditionally been added to baths in Japan to celebrate the Winter solstice (Toji).

Laboratory Tests

We go to great lengths to identify the finest organic tea farms across the world’s most celebrated terroirs. All our teas are sourced directly from the farmer and, with a few exceptions, are certified organic or come from pesticide-free farms. Each batch of tea for every harvest is tested for pesticides and other pollutants in an independent German lab to ensure they meet our strict quality standards as well as HACCP food safety requirements. Additionally, radioactivity levels are regularly monitored in all the regions of Japan from which we source our teas.