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For our unique tea varieties, we team up with select partners who have deep expertise in tea production. We source high-quality tea leaves from prestigious tea-growing regions around the globe. We've enjoyed a long and successful partnership with Sugimoto, a tea producer located on Japan's southeast coast. Dive into the world of our partner and uncover the secrets of cultivation and production at this site. Meet the remarkable people behind Sugimoto's exceptional green teas.
A Journey to Shizuoka, Sugimoto's Headquarters
Japanese tea culture means traditional steamed green tea specialties, rich umami flavors, and a focus on mindful enjoyment. Sugimoto Tea Company embodies these traditional values, which are essential to Japanese identity. At the same time, Sugimoto incorporates modern innovations in tea cultivation and processing. This creates a bridge between old traditions and contemporary tea production.
Founded in 1946 in the renowned tea-growing region of Shizuoka, Sugimoto collaborates closely with local tea farmers. They refine carefully selected tea leaves into excellent green teas, whether it's fully shaded matcha or sun-grown sencha. Their dedication and passion for high-quality, flavorful teas are core to their philosophy. CEO Masaaki Sugimoto, a trained Tea Master, personally inspects and tastes the harvests. Japanese tea in all its diversity is at the core of Sugimoto, a passion we share with our partner.
Sustainable Farming Methods and Optimal Climate Conditions
In Shizuoka, where Sugimoto is based and sources most of its teas, tea leaves are grown following the Chagusaba tradition. This is an agricultural practice recognized as a globally significant agricultural heritage by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Chagusaba involves growing natural grasslands around tea fields. These grasses are cut in the fall, dried, and spread over the tea fields as mulch. This enhances soil climate, retains moisture, and enriches the soil with valuable nutrients. It also has the pleasant side effect of making the tea taste more aromatic and sweeter.
Spotlight on Diverse Green Tea Specialties
Using this unique cultivation method, tea plants continue to be sustainably grown and harvested in Shizuoka. Sugimoto expertly transforms these precious leaves into aromatic delicacies. Our Genmaicha GRAIN OF TRUTH, Hojicha DAILY TOAST, and Kabusecha DAIKOKU are created here. For our roasted DAILY TOAST, the tea leaves are first carefully steamed according to Japanese tradition, then roasted in special drums. Sugimoto uses the smallest roasting drums available to ensure even and finely tuned roasting. Whether it's roasted green teas or more robust grassy varieties like Kabusecha, Sugimoto showcases its impressive knowledge and craftsmanship. And you can taste it!
Feel the Extraordinary Love for Tea
Together with Sugimoto, we wholeheartedly place excellent tea at the center of our mission. The Sugimoto Tea Company stands out in the world of Japanese green tea—not just for its rich history spanning over three generations, but also for its relentless pursuit of authenticity and innovation. We especially value Sugimoto's close collaboration with small farmers, which you can learn more about in our article on the spring harvest. We cannot wait for more extraordinary tea specialties from the Shizuoka region.
