IRIKA Sapphire

Origin of the tea. According to Royal Blue Tea, the leaf grower Miyazaki Chabou began experimenting with oolong tea production roughly 20 years ago, inspired by Taiwanese tea and working from self-taught methods. Royal Blue Tea's social media describes the finished tea as a new oolong made from leaves grown in Gokase, Miyazaki Prefecture, a region designated a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) in 2015.^[1],[2],[3]

Takachiho and Sakimidori Cultivars — Leaf Base. Royal Blue Tea's documentation names two cultivars for the tea: the Takachiho cultivar (たかちほ), grown on tea trees aged over 50 years, and the Sakimidori (さきみどり) cultivar. The leaves are sourced from Gokase Town, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture, and are cultivated using the arc-training method (弧状仕立) and hand-picked (手摘み) for Royal Blue Tea.^[1],[4]

Pan-firing (kamairi). Fermentation is halted by a pan-firing (釜炒り) technique rather than steaming. New tea buds are placed in an iron kettle, fired over direct heat, and dried while being kneaded in the kettle — the traditional kamairi method. Royal Blue Tea states that the moisture released from the leaves deactivates their enzymes and thereby stops fermentation.^[1],[4]

Nose. Royal Blue Tea describes a distinctive gardenia-flower (クチナシ) aroma.^[1],[2]

Palate. The producer describes a clean, refreshing flavor.^[1]

Royal Blue Tea describes IRIKA Sapphire as pairing well with any cuisine without overpowering it, attributing this versatility to its refined flavor.^[4]

Production. The tea leaves are produced by Miyazaki Chabou (宮崎茶房), specifically by Ryo Miyazaki (宮崎亮). The farm is located in a World Agricultural Heritage area at an altitude of 500–800 m and, per Royal Blue Tea, has practiced organic farming using no pesticides and only organic fertilizers since the 1980s.^[1],[4]

Ingredients Policy. Royal Blue Tea states that IRIKA Sapphire is made exclusively from organically grown tea leaves cultivated without pesticides or chemical fertilizers, hand-picked for the producer.^[1]

The Gokase region of Miyazaki Prefecture, where the tea for IRIKA Sapphire is grown, was designated a World Agricultural Heritage (Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System) site in 2015. Royal Blue Tea further states that the tea garden supplying the leaves has received the Emperor's Cup and the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award.^[1],[4]