Saito tea farm Zairai No. 15 80g
Mr. Katsumi Saitô has been a passionate tea grower for over 40 years and crosses his own tea bushes, which he propagates by cuttings/shoots.
This sencha comes from one of his own crosses and is also his flagship.
He calls it Zairai No. 15.
The garden is only fertilized with plants, organic cultivation. It is located at an altitude of 300-400 meters above sea level. You can see the tea garden in the photos and the road leading there in the videos. 🙂
The special location in the middle of the mountains results in shorter sunny periods, which average approx. 5,5 hours.
These geographical conditions of terroir give the tea a unique flavor profile.
"By avoiding the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, we can prevent soil pollution and river pollution. It is important not to disturb the natural system," says Katsuya Saito.
This tea has bright, light green leaves, very large and long. The taste is sweet, buttery, pronounced tea, with a tasty vegetable soup character. Fresh, crisp smell and taste.
Processing of Zairai No. 15: The fresh leaves are carefully steamed for 15 seconds, then rolled into an extremely beautiful needle shape in several steps. This tea is characterized by a clean and refreshing taste.
Preparation tip from Mr. Saito
Mr. Saitô recommends 5 g of tea for 50-60 ml of soft water (75-80°C), steeping for 20 seconds. He prepares the tea almost like gyokuros, in shiboridashi. Thus, up to six pours are possible with short soaking times.
