P&T joined the green tea harvest in Japan to gain a deeper understanding of the art and tradition of tea growing in the Shizuoka region.
Japan, with its rich history and culture of tea cultivation, offers ideal conditions for the production of exceptional teas. P&T's visit to the green tea harvest at a small tea garden provided a rare opportunity to experience firsthand the challenges and distinctive qualities of a family-run tea plantation.
An early morning harvest in Shizuoka
In late April, amid the mist-covered hills of Shizuoka, the careful harvesting of precious Yabukita tea leaves got underway. This first harvest of the year, known as Shincha, is particularly celebrated for its high umami content.
Steaming in the Samurai tradition
The processing method of intense steaming — known as Fukamushicha — gives the tea its characteristically rich and complex aroma. This technique has been firmly established in Shizuoka since the early twentieth century, rooted in the region's samurai heritage, and continues to shape the character of the tea to this day.
A unique flavour: A snapshot in time
The limited harvest from this tea garden captures the singular quality of a single-estate tea. Each vintage tells its own story, offering an exquisite snapshot of the year. Following the April 2023 harvest, the tea arrived at our warehouse just a few weeks later, where it was packed and made ready for our customers to enjoy.
For further information about our trips to origin countries and the unique conditions of tea cultivation, we warmly invite you to get in touch.
