Zairai

Cultivar · Zairai

Zairai（在来）

Zairai refers to Japan’s traditional seed-grown tea plants, many of which are decades to over a century old. Deep-rooted and resilient, Zairai represents the living heritage of Kyoto tea.

Heritage Cultivar Organic JAS

Overview

Status	Non-registered traditional cultivar (seed-propagated)
Origin	Ancient native strains, unique to each region of Japan
Age	Many trees are decades to over 100 years old
Root System	Deep roots due to seed propagation; highly resilient and long-lived
Characteristics	Genetically diverse; varied sprouting and leaf form; complex and layered flavor
Quality	Rich umami, robust aroma, strong terroir expression
Use	Matcha, sencha, and preservation of heritage tea fields

d:matcha’s Zairai

In Yubune, Wazuka, d:matcha manages one of the few remaining Zairai tea fields, certified under Organic JAS. Unlike standardized cultivars, Zairai trees grow from seed, resulting in deep roots that make them strong and enduring. Each tree shows a unique character, and together they embody centuries of Kyoto’s tea heritage. We process Zairai into single-origin ceremonial matcha to highlight this rare and irreplaceable legacy.

2025 Field Lots

First Harvest — Single, Ceremonial

Plot Location	Shading (days)	Harvest Date (2025)	Tea type
Yubune, Wazuka	25d	2025-05-14	Tencha

Second Harvest — Summer Blend

Plot Location	Shading (days)	Harvest Date (2025)	Tea type
Yubune, Wazuka	16d	2025-07-09	Tencha

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⚠️ Important:

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