TORIDORI TEA DATA FILE
Catalog no. TEA03. Kamairicha Zairai (Miyazaki)

Origin
Gokase, Miyazaki, Japan.
Cultivar
Zairai (在来, meaning "indigenous")
, seed-grown.
Harvest
05/2024, machine-picked.
Process
Green tea, pan-fired (釜炒り茶 kamairicha).
Cultivation
Animal- and plant-based fertilizers (non-synthetic). No agrochemicals.
Tasting memo
Light body but robust. Distinctive toasty aroma like roasted rice. Balanced bitterness with subtle sweetness and refreshing aftertaste.
Brewing guide
[Japanese] 4-5 g/200 ml, 85-90°C 40 sec (1st), 85-90°C 5-10 sec (2nd), 90-95°C 5-10 sec (3rd-).
4-6 infusions possible.
[Western] 2-3 g/300 ml, 85-90°C 2-3 min.
Producer of this tea:
Miyazaki Sabou
宮崎茶房
Miyazaki Sabou is a tea farm located at the northern part of Gokase, the tea-producing area in the mountains of the northwest Miyazaki. This region is one of the few places which preserves the traditional kamairicha to date. Together with their traditional kamairicha, Miyazaki Sabou is also known for their delicious black tea and oolong tea. Led by Mr. Akira Miyazaki, a person of rich knowledge and passion for tea cultivars, this tea farm is the leader of the tea production of this region.


Right plant at the right place
お茶の樹も適材適所
The characteristic unique cultivar offers of this farm is the result of the continuous efforts of Mr. Miyazaki and his team to realize a truly tasty and safe kamairicha without any single use of agrochemicals (herbicides and alike) nor chemical fertilizers. However, no such inputs means that tea plants have to survive the diseases and reduced soil nutrients by their own.
Mr. Miyazaki carefully chooses the most suitable cultivars for each of his farm plots. The terroir of Miyazaki Sabou is the collaboration of their expertise and tea cultivars beautifully tuned for their land.
Some interesting columns:
Zairai: A single cultivar or a blend?
在来という品種:単一品種?それともブレンド?
