In the hills around Kyoto a third generation of the Nagata family use special organic [1] methods, known as Nature Farming, to produce a range of exquisite green teas for Clearspring.
The ancient farming approach used by the Nagatas builds up soil vitality by maintaining a semi-wild environment where the plants are not overly protected and gain nourishment from repeated applications of compost made from tea clippings and dried leaves which together with regular mulching helps control weed growth and maintain soil moisture.
Whist most tea farmers spray their plants with pesticides and herbicides 15-20 times a year, the Nagatas' tea bushes have a vigour that enables them to thrive without chemical inputs.
The Nagatas' yields may be lower than average but their plants have far less mould and blight. They remain productive for up to 40 years, twice as long as the typical tea bush treated with chemicals.
As well as growing tea, the Nagatas undertake the skilful blanching, drying and roasting processes and then pack their teas right on their estate to ensure maximum freshness and fullness of flavour.
Compare this to the common practice of shipping in bulk, and then blending and packing the tea many months later in Europe, and it is easy to see why Clearspring tea from Nagata Chaen tastes so fresh.
www.nagata-chaen.com [1] [2]
The ancient farming approach used by the Nagatas builds up soil vitality by maintaining a semi-wild environment where the plants are not overly protected and gain nourishment from repeated applications of compost made from tea clippings and dried leaves which together with regular mulching helps control weed growth and maintain soil moisture.
Whist most tea farmers spray their plants with pesticides and herbicides 15-20 times a year, the Nagatas' tea bushes have a vigour that enables them to thrive without chemical inputs.
The Nagatas' yields may be lower than average but their plants have far less mould and blight. They remain productive for up to 40 years, twice as long as the typical tea bush treated with chemicals.
As well as growing tea, the Nagatas undertake the skilful blanching, drying and roasting processes and then pack their teas right on their estate to ensure maximum freshness and fullness of flavour.
Compare this to the common practice of shipping in bulk, and then blending and packing the tea many months later in Europe, and it is easy to see why Clearspring tea from Nagata Chaen tastes so fresh.
www.nagata-chaen.com [1] [2]