Tea Region
Tea tree
Cultivar
Harvest
Picking & processing
Makizono town, Kirishima, Kagoshima Prefecture
Camellia sinensis sinensis
Saemidori
Spring, 2023
Asamushicha - lightly steamed. Light roast.
High in the pristine hills of Kirishima, Kagoshima, where mist rolls over lush tea fields, the Kawaguchi sisters cultivate a tea that honors both nature and tradition—Organic Kirishimacha Hojicha. This tea, crafted with care and dedication, tells the story of two sisters who have dedicated their lives to the art of tea-making, preserving the natural beauty of their homeland and the time-honored techniques of their ancestors.
At the Koukien Tea Garden, the sisters grow their tea organically, using no pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, allowing the plants to thrive naturally. The result is a pure expression of Kirishima’s fertile soil and clean air. The tea is harvested as asamushicha, a lightly steamed green tea that retains the fresh, delicate essence of the leaves. But the magic truly begins with the roasting process. On a traditional houroku table lined with Japanese rice paper, the tea is slow-roasted over gentle heat, imbuing each leaf with a light, toasty warmth.
This slow roasting on the houroku—a traditional clay roasting pan—sets this hojicha apart. The tea is never overpowered by smokiness; instead, it develops a subtle, nutty character with hints of caramel and sweet grains. The sisters’ method is a dance of patience and precision, producing a hojicha that is light, refreshing, and uniquely tied to the terroir of Kirishima.
Rice crackers (Senbei)
The crunchy, salty-sweet taste of rice crackers pairs perfectly with the nutty, roasted notes of the tea, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
Lightly salted edamame
The fresh, green taste of edamame complements the faint vegetal notes of the hojicha, while the light salting brings out the tea’s subtle sweetness.
Roasted sweet potatoes
The natural sweetness and caramelized edges of roasted sweet potatoes echo the tea’s toasty, sweet grain notes, making for a comforting and satisfying pairing.
Grilled fish or lightly roasted vegetables
The tea’s delicate roast pairs beautifully with simple, lightly grilled fish like mackerel or vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus, highlighting their natural flavors without overpowering them.