SAEJAK
GREEN TEA
★ PESTICIDE-FREE GARDENING
Boseong, Jeolla, South Korea
Saejak "Sparrow's Tongue" is a refined Korean green tea known for its slender, needle-like leaves and clean, crisp flavor. Harvested in early spring, it offers a bright, refreshing cup with subtle sweetness and delicate floral undertones, embodying the elegance of Korean tea tradition. MORE
AROMA
Vegetal, nutty
TASTE
Umami, marine
CULTIVAR: Yabukita
HARVEST: Spring, 2023
Learn more about the BIOCHEMISTRY OF A TEA LEAF
SEED-GROWN TEA PLANT
This tea refers to a Qunzi Zhong, a "seed-grown tea plant". Unlike cloned or asexually propagated cultivars, which are created by cuttings or grafting from a single "mother" plant, Qunzi Zhong tea trees are grown from seeds. This results in a genetically diverse population of plants. Each seed-grown tea tree is unique, with slightly different characteristics. This genetic variety helps improve the resilience of the tea garden, making it more resistant to pests, diseases, and environmental stress. Seed-grown trees usually develop stronger and deeper roots than cloned plants, allowing them to draw nutrients and minerals from deeper soil layers, often giving the tea a more complex and rich flavor profile. Qunzi Zhong represents the traditional way of tea cultivation. Because of the genetic diversity, teas made from Qunzi Zhong plants tend to offer more layered and nuanced flavors, reflecting a richer expression of the local terroir (soil, climate, and environment).
PESTICIDE-FREE GARDENING
Pesticide-free gardening refers to a cultivation method in which no synthetic chemical pesticides are used at any stage of plant growth. Instead, this approach relies on biodiversity, ecological balance, and cultural practices to manage pests and diseases. Unlike conventional farming, which often depends on chemical intervention to control infestations, pesticide-free gardening emphasizes prevention through healthy soil, companion planting, and natural predators. This method fosters a more resilient and adaptive garden ecosystem. Without chemical inputs, beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and native bees thrive, contributing to pollination and pest control. Untouched by harsh agents, the soil remains alive with microbial activity, supporting deeper root systems and more vigorous plant development. Over time, this results in produce with purer, more expressive flavors, reflecting the health of the environment and the grower's intention.
Learn more about Pesticide-Free Gardening
EASTERN (DARYE) ★
Temperature: 60-75 °C
Amount: 3-5 grams per 120 ml of water
Steeping: 10-30 sec x 5
WESTERN (INFUSION)
Temperature: 65 °C
Amount: 2-3 grams per 250 ml of water
Steeping: 1-2 min x 3
Learn more about TEA BREWING METHODS
BEST BEFORE: 2 years since production date!
Learn more ABOUT TEA STORAGE
SEJAK GREEN TEA
Boseong is located in Jeollanam province and is one of the few main tea-producing regions in South Korea famous for its small tea gardens managed by small family businesses. Most farmers have a small tea garden and produce mainly green tea using old techniques like hand-rolling and pan-frying. It is considered that the first tea cultivation in South Korea started in Buddhist temples located in Jeollanam province. A lot has been changed but the love of tea stays the same even if it doesn't have a commercial response.
Nowadays in this area, farmers mostly use the Japanese cultivar - Yabukita - which is very loyal to the local climate and gives a perfect sweet balanced flavour with marine, floral notes.
Saejak "Thin Sparrow Tongue" is considered the highest-quality green tea in South Korea after Woojeon "Pre-rain" green tea. Due to the early spring harvest, high-quality raw materials, and traditional handmade processing this tea represents deep traditions and links to Korea's long history of tea culture. Saejak undergoes both steaming and pan-firing which gives the tea a unique aroma and taste.
ORGANOLEPTIC
Glossy, carefully hand-twisted leaves have sweet, baked, creamy notes. After warming up tea leaves aroma develops into bakery, buttery smooth notes with a little hint of seaweed. After the first infusion aroma changes into vegetal, sea notes. The taste is smooth and sweet with vegetal 'umami' notes with a little spicy bitterness on the tip of the tongue. Long-lasting sweet aftertaste. Very clear and bold taste. Beautiful tea with pronounced 'umami' flavour!
!!! Try to use 60°C hot water for the first time! You can use more hot water later, but the first touch should be gentle and careful! Like in Japan, in Korea, people drink the first infusion and consider it as the most sweet and beneficial. The second infusion is the most delicious! Enjoy !!!
