Nestled in the beautiful subtropical forest landscape of South Kagoshima, this tea farm harbours a rare treasure that is almost unheard of in Japan today: Zairai tea fields featuring bushes that are over 90 years old and still bursting with vitality. Once widespread in Japan until the late 1960s, these seed-grown Zairai tea bushes gradually gave way to more productive and resilient cultivated varieties like Yabukita. However, the Zairai fields on this farm have endured through the decades, protected by the meticulous care of the previous farmer and untouched by pesticides since their planting in the early 20th century. As time passed and the former caretaker aged, he entrusted the farm to a younger farmer who, with the support of a local tea market expert, achieved a significant milestone: the JAS organic certification in 2023.
Yoshi En has recently grown out of Sunday Natural to become an independent premium tea store. As part of this transition, some products may still be shipped in Sunday Natural packaging.
Sencha
Zairai Organic
Premium 91 P.
An expressive organic Sencha from the first harvest of the native Zairai cultivar, which develops a completely unique taste depending on the growing region. Grown in the sun-soaked terroir of Kagoshima, Japan, 100g
| Character | Refreshingly clear grassy notes, Bancha-like minerality, silky mouthfeel and slightly sweet aftertaste, hardly any bitterness or astringency |
| Tea Farm | 2nd generation certified organic farm in a prime location in Kagoshima |
| Terroir | Kinpo, Minamisatsuma, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan |
| Harvest | 1st harvest (Ichibancha), mid-May 2025 |
| Cultivar | Zairai, 90 year old bushes |
| Elevation | 30m above sea level |
| Steaming | Short (Asamushi, approx. 20 sec.) |
| Shading | None |
| Cultivation | Certified organic cultivation |
| Laboratory Tests | Radioactivity (annual test of region) and pesticides |
| Grade | 91/100 p. (sencha category); Premium |
Ferme de thé
Arôme & Caractère
Tasting Notes
With its refreshing and clear infusion, our organic Sencha Zairai captures the distinctive charm of the seed-grown Zairai cultivar. Few cultivars so vividly capture the essence of their growing region, embodying the unique spirit of the terroir. It reflects the robust minerality of Kagoshima's volcanic soil, evoking subtle qualities of Bancha. This is gracefully balanced by floral notes of delicate white blossoms, with a barely perceptible bitterness and minimal astringency. Most striking is its remarkably silky mouthfeel, complemented by a gently unfolding sweetness that pleasantly lingers on the palate moments after each sip.
Leaf
Matte green, strong, flat needles
Cup
Clear, fruity light yellow with a hint of green
Sencha
Sencha is by far the most commonly cultivated and consumed green tea in Japan and constitutes the backbone of Japanese tea traditions. The leaves are typically steamed for 10–60 seconds, dried with hot air, and via a multi-staged process rolled into flat needles. The flavour profile of Sencha is very diverse and varies between sweet, fresh and grassy to robustly bitter. The region of cultivation as well as quality of the tea play a significant role in determining flavour.
Yoshi En
Premium Organic Teas
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.
Culture et transformation
Culture et transformation
Special features in location, cultivation and processing
Alongside Shizuoka, Kagoshima is one of the most important terroirs for Japanese teas in terms of quality and yield. Relatively high temperatures with long hours of sunshine and extensive, mostly flat fields create the best conditions for tea cultivation. Additionally, the proximity to the active Sakurajima volcano, with its ancient plate shifts and regular volcanic ash deposits, creates mineral-rich soil that promotes robust and healthy plant growth. Because of these unique conditions, teas from Kagoshima are vital and strong in flavour, with full aroma.
Zairai Cultivar
Cultivars are typically propagated through cuttings to create tea fields with uniform plant varieties, making cultivation and management more efficient. In contrast, seed-grown tea plants, known as Zairai, result from the genetic blending of two different cultivars through pollination. Tea fields grown from seeds feature plants with diverse genetic makeups, leading to unique nutrient profiles and distinct flavour profiles. These plants also exhibit varying sensitivities to diseases and environmental conditions, requiring more careful attention from tea farmers. This effort pays off though, as the genetic diversity within Zairai fields produces a tea that is truly one of a kind. Each Zairai tea field is unique, resulting in a tea that embodies the natural terroir like no other.
Organic Certification
PL-EKO-01
Nicht-EU-Landwirtschaft
Préparation
Préparation
Brewing Guide
2 heaped teaspoons per 100–300ml water (60°C), steep for 2 minutes. Suitable for several infusions.
Packaging
Packed in a high-quality, airtight, resealable zipper pouch with nine protective layers to preserve flavour and prevent oxidation. After opening, press out as much air as possible when snapping shut.
Recommended Teapot
A red Tokoname Kyusu with a fine ceramic sieve is ideal for this Sencha as it helps bring out the valuable compounds of the tea. Alternatively, a black Tokoname Kyusu is a great all-rounder for all types of green tea.
Tests en laboratoire
Tests en laboratoire
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.
Sunday Natural
Sunday Natural
Our philosophy
For thousands of years, cultures all over the world have been using a variety of plants and nutritious foods to naturally foster vitality and good health.
With our products, we try to emulate this ancient wisdom as much as possible.
Consequently, our philosophy is simple: in everything we produce, we strive for the highest standards of quality and purity, with a focus on organic and natural ingredients.
We follow this philosophy with meticulous care on all levels, down to every last detail.