Mr Kumada, a farmer attached to his land


17 February 2017
Mr Kumada, a farmer attached to his land

I’d like to introduce you to Mr Kumada. He lives with eight cats and grows tea on seven hectares in the extreme south of Japan, high above the city of Kagoshima, far from anywhere, even the smallest village. Mr Kumada took over from his father, who was also a farmer. But he only grows tea, unlike his father who also grew tobacco, and raised cows, pigs and silkworms. When I asked him what he’d like me to talk about on my blog, Mr Kumada immediately replied that he was proud of his farming methods, and of the organic certification he has obtained. He wants to keep the environment in the best possible condition; he is responsible for it, he says.

Mr Kumada produces green teas, of course, but also a black tea, which I’ve just chosen. It’s the first time I’ve tasted such a good black tea from Japan, an interesting tasting experience. Mr Kumada’s very likeable personality does play a part in my choice: I taste all teas blind, but it increases the pleasure I take in being able to promote his excellent tea.

 

You like this post?
Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Share

Similar articles

Who is Mr Tian?

17 November 2017

Wen Rong Tian has had two lives: the first as a physical education teacher; the second, which began 27 years ago, as a tea producer. From the first he has…

Share on Facebook. Tweet this!

A black tea factory that is now a museum, in Taiwan

11 August 2017

The island of Taiwan is famous for its Oolong teas. They are oxidised to varying degrees and so develop notes that are more vegetal, or on the contrary, more woody….

Share on Facebook. Tweet this!

Keeping tea

4 October 2013

The optimal storage period can vary a great deal from one tea to another. Green teas from Japan and China do not last long, and just a few months after…

Share on Facebook. Tweet this!

With the “father” of Pathivara

29 June 2018

Among the plantations worthy of attention recently is Pathivara, in Nepal. Here, I’m with the plantation’s father, the man who started it. In just a few years, he’s succeeded in…

Share on Facebook. Tweet this!