Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What makes Arakai Estate teas unique?

Arakai Estate produces award-winning Australian teas using Japanese green tea varieties processed in the Taiwanese style. Our teas offer a complex mix of floral, aromatic, and sweet notes without the bitterness typically associated with strong tannins.

Which tea varieties does Arakai Estate grow?

We grow six different Japanese small-leaf varieties of Camellia sinensis var. sinensis, including Yabukita, Sayamakaori, Meirokyu, Yutakamidori, Fushin, and Okumidori.

What is Spring Flush tea?

Spring Flush tea comes from the first harvest in Spring after a Winter dormancy. It's considered the prime cut of tea, prized worldwide for its unique qualities of flavour, aroma, and cup smell.

Why do your teas have different harvest years?

Our teas are harvested annually, with each year's crop potentially having slightly different characteristics due to variations in growing conditions. The harvest year is indicated to showcase the tea's unique qualities for that particular season..

Why shouldn't I brew green tea with boiling water?

Green tea should be brewed with water below boiling temperature (around 85-90°C) to prevent extracting bitter compounds and tannins. This ensures a smoother, more flavorful cup that highlights the tea's delicate notes. Learn how to brew the perfect cup of loose leaf tea here.

Can I steep Arakai Estate teas multiple times?

Yes, our high-quality teas can be steeped multiple times, and the brew length should be increased each time. Each steeping can reveal different flavour profiles. See our information on how to get the perfect brew here.

Are Arakai Estate teas organic?

While we're not certified organic, we use a mix of certified and non-certified organic inputs for plant nutrition. We don't use pesticides or fungicides, and our teas are guaranteed spray-free and residue-free.

What is the fine dust in my pack of tea?

The fine dust you may notice is known as tea hair and is from the underside of the tea leaves. These are a sign of high-quality, whole leaf tea and contribute to the tea's flavour and mouthfeel.

Do you offer farm tours or on-site experiences?

We currently don't offer public tours or on-site experiences. You can find detailed information about our tea farm and production process on our website.

How do you harvest your tea?

We started with our own creation - the "mighty bike harvester." It's a human-powered, low-impact machine that cuts following the contours of the land with remarkable accuracy and reliability.

In 2022 we upgraded to an Ochiai TFC-10 mechanised harvester. This allows us to harvest more tea in a shorter amount of time which helps if the rain clouds are coming. It has also let us increase the width of the tea bushes to 1.5m so we can harvest more tea from our plantation. We now have a much greater control of cutting height as well which means higher quality tips.

What makes your Premium range different from the Spring Flush?

Our Premium range comes from late Spring, Summer, and early Autumn harvests. While produced in higher volumes, these teas still maintain the high quality and distinct flavours that Arakai Estate is known for.

Have your teas won any awards?

Yes, our teas have won numerous awards, including multiple Golden Leaf Awards and Hobart Fine Food Awards for both our Spring Flush and Premium ranges in various categories. See our teas page for more information.

How should I store my Arakai Estate tea?

Store your tea in an airtight container away from light, heat, and strong odours. Avoid storing tea in the refrigerator, as the moisture can affect the tea's quality.

How much is shipping?

Shipping within Australia is $10 for orders under $100, and free for anything above. We ship via Australia Post. For trade or wholesale orders, please contact us for more information.

Please see our shipping information page for more details.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, we can! Please contact us via email for more information.