Highest Grade 98 P.
| Character | A symphony of blossoms and fruits: red apple, juicy peach, sea buckthorn |
|---|---|
| Tea Farm | Ōta Shigeki Seicha 太田重喜製茶 |
| Terroir | Shiiba, Ureshino, Saga Prefecture, Japan |
| Harvest | 2nd harvest (Nibancha), June 2025 |
| Cultivar | Tsuyuhikari |
| Elevation | Approx. 150m above sea level |
| Processing | Withering (24–48 hours), rolling (30–45 minutes), oxidation (2 hours), double oven-drying (first just under 2 hours at 50–60 °C, then 35 minutes at 110 °C, followed several days later by a final drying for 20 minutes at 95 °C), sorting, and packaging |
| Cultivation | No official organic certification, but cultivated according to organic principles without the use of plant protection products on the fields since 2011 |
| Laboratory Tests | Radioactivity (annual testing of the region) and pesticides |
| Grade | 98/100 P. (Wakocha category); Highest Grade |
Ōta Shigeki Seicha (太田重喜製茶) is a fifth-generation family-run tea farm in the renowned Ureshino region, specialising in Tamaryokucha, Kamairicha, and Wakocha. The farm has cultivated its teas according to organic standards since 1977. Shigeki Ōta selects rare seed varieties from the different locations of his tea fields to create masterful blends and single-cultivar teas from a wide variety of cultivars, including many that are rare and highly prized.
From the very first sip of this black tea made from the Tsuyuhikari cultivar, one is instantly transported to a warm, humid tropical forest, infused with a botanical symphony of blossoms and fruits. Perfectly balanced and remarkably elegant, this complex Wakocha black tea leaves nothing to be desired. Notes of red apple, juicy peach and a hint of sea buckthorn are just a few of the many nuances that reveal themselves during a thorough tasting. Altogether, it forms a wonderfully harmonious yet strikingly expressive top-class Wakocha.
Cacao brown, finely curled tea leaves
Amber orange
Mr Ōta received the jury's special prize for this tea at the 2024 Nihoncha Awards (日本茶AWARD 2024 審査員奨励賞)
Wakocha (和紅茶) refers to black tea produced in Japan. Although they once played an important role as a trade commodity until the mid-20th century, growing competition from India and China caused Japanese black tea to fall into obscurity for many years. Only in the past two decades has there been a renewed appreciation for this heritage. Despite their distinctive character, Wakocha are typically milder in flavour than many other black teas, often featuring fruity-floral notes and a pleasant honeyed sweetness, which is why they are often drunk without milk or sugar. In addition to the tea heartland of Shizuoka, a significant amount of Japan’s finest Wakocha is produced on the southern main island of Kyushu.
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. Likewise, all the regions of Japan from which we source our teas are tested for radioactivity for every harvest.
Our comprehensive portfolio focuses on organic, single-origin teas sourced directly from renowned farms. We believe in creating partnerships with farmers who share our values and are committed to sustainable, responsible tea cultivation. Thanks to these strong relationships our exciting range is constantly growing and evolving. As an international team of dedicated and passionate tea experts, we are committed to preserving centuries-old tea culture while ensuring it remains relevant and continues to bring joy in the present. About Yoshi En.
Super Premium 95 P.
Tokunoshima, Kagoshima
100g
€109.00 / 1kg
