03The Wild One
Extremely Rare Organic Wild Grown Yamacha
Traditionally Roasted Japanese Green Tea
Loose Leaf : 60g / 2.1oz = 25 - 30 servings
2-4 day delivery to USA & Canada
Free global shipping on this item
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- Extremely rare wild grown tea leaves from the mountain forests of Hyūga, Miyazaki.
- An incredibly unique and bold aroma without any bitterness. Smoky, earthy, and well-rounded with refined notes celebrating its ancient roots.
- Hand picked in the forests by local communities from fall to winter.
- Processed by award-winning Tea Master Yoichi Kourogi using the original and ancient Kamairi (pan-fried) method.
- Wild organic - fully natural tea leaves picked up from the forest.
- Our most premium and unique tea produced in a very limited quantity.
- Low in caffeine : Due to the roasting process, the caffeine level is two times lower than steamed green tea or about 1/6 compared to coffee. Perfect to be enjoyed in the evening.
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Sustainable packaging : 100% plastic-free and fully compostable.
- Each box is hand packed and individually signed by the tea producer.
Uniquely wild. Wildly unique.
Calling all those who are born to be wild! Are you looking for a tea that is just as ferocious as you? Look no further!
It's hard to know where to begin to describe how wildly unique this tea is...
First, unlike most tea crops today, The Wild One doesn't grow in a garden -- it actually grows wild and free in the highland forests. As it grows freely in the forests, it can only be hand picked by experts with trained eyes. They know where the tea trees are and what leaves to pick.
Second, while most crops are traditionally harvested in spring and summer, The Wild One is harvested from fall to winter.
And to seal its reputation, it is processed using the Kamairi technique -- the ancient Chinese method originally used in Japan before the development of the mainstream steaming technique (16th century).
All of these unique aspects help create a smoky aroma with a bold taste, expertly processed by award-winning tea master Yōichi Kōrogi. A great choice for those willing to taste a truly different tea from everything they have tried so far, while also paying homage to the ancient way tea was produced.
Not for the faint of heart, this tea packs a delicious punch. Be wild and give it a try -- you won't regret it!
Specification
Origin
Origin
Grown in: Kamidogawa estate, Hyūga, Miyazaki (Island of Kyushu)
Produced by: NPO Seirin
Altitude: 400 - 600m
Tea cultivar: Original tea cultivar as imported from China from the 9th century AD
Processing Method: Pan-fried roast - Kamairi (Ancient Chinese method)
Flavour
Flavour
- Smoky, earthy, and well-rounded with refined notes celebrating its ancient roots.
- The Kamairi processing of the leaves removes most of the bitterness to enhance its aroma and sweetness.
Organically Grown
Organically Grown
Wild Organic: It doesn't get more natural and organic than this -- growing freely in the forest. Pesticide, chemical fertilizer, additive, and preservative free.
Health benefits
Health benefits
- The roasting process burns away the caffeine making it ideal for an evening tea.
- Rich in antioxidants, which help protect you from molecules called free radicals, which are compounds that can damage cells and cause chronic disease.
- Helps reduce inflammation, boosts your immune system, and lowers cholesterol.
- Boosts your metabolism while aiding digestion.
- Full of theanine, an amino acid that induces relaxation and lowers anxiety.
Sustainable Package
Sustainable Package
While offering a prefect protection to the tea leaves, our packaging is :
- 100% compostable (Box and Pouch)
- 100% plastic free
- Made with recycled and plant based marterial only
- Printed with soy and vegetal ink
Steeping Guide
Steeping Guide
Discover the steeping guides for Yamacha HERE
But don't forget, your own perfect steeping way is yours to discover.
Fresh ideas and wild passion from Miyazaki.
By now you probably understand how special and unique this tea is, so it should not come as a surprise that the people behind it are just as incredible as what they produce.
The story started a few years back when Noboru moved from Tokyo to Hyūga, a world-renowed surf town in Miyazaki, to fulfill his passion for surfing. There he met Kazuhiro, a Bonsai artist and representative of NPO Seirin (an organization engaged in supporting local communities and protecing the environment). During one of their many hikes in the natural wonders of Miyazaki, Noboru noticed the numerous tea treas growing wild in the forest. He could not help but wonder if these beautiful tea leaves were ever used for tea...
They soon learned that the local community made small homemade batches of tea out of these wild-grown leaves for centuries. It was a long tradition that began around the 9th century when Japan imported tea for the first time from China. However, this local delight was virtually unknown and inaccessible to the rest of Japan and the world. Upon learning this history, Noboru and Kazuhiro set their minds on sharing it with the rest of us.
While their idea was initially met with surprise and some skepticism, their passion and determination lead them to Yōichi Kōrogi. Soon the award-winning tea master was just as excited by this challenge as they were. After countless trials, they created a truly unique tea from wild-grown leaves harvested in the unsual seasons of fall and winter, and processed in the ancient Kamairi technique of pan-frying. As a result, they developed an exquisitely distinctive brew that is both extremely innovative and a heartful homage to the very first tea produced in Japan more than a thousand years ago.
As their vision attracted attention and gained traction, the local government granted them the use of an old school for their project. Today, they not only operate their initiative from this former school, they also organize community events and gatherings. Their project creates job opportunities in a community impacted by the migration of the younger generations to cities. The production of this Yamacha helps promote and support their beautiful region from a community, cultural, and environmental standpoint.
We are extremely proud to call Kazuhiro and Noboru our friends, and to support their beautiful initiative for positive change with you.