Zi Chun Tea Wholesale

Direct Trade Importer – Specialty Teas from Garden to Cup

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Category: Sourcing Insights

  • Seasonal Harvest Update: Chinese Jasmine, Darjeeling & Assam Teas

    Seasonal Harvest Update: Chinese Jasmine, Darjeeling & Assam Teas

    One of the most rewarding aspects of sourcing specialty tea is following the rhythm of each harvest throughout the year. Every season brings something different, shaped by weather, growing conditions and the careful work of tea makers across Asia.

    This latest update brings together two exciting arrivals. The new season’s Chinese jasmine teas and the first selection of Darjeeling and Assam second flush teas from India are now available.

    Chinese Jasmine Tea Season

    Jasmine tea production only begins once the jasmine flowers themselves are at their peak.

    While the green tea used as the base is harvested during spring, it is carefully stored until the summer jasmine blossoms are ready. At this point, the tea is scented using freshly picked jasmine flowers at the height of their fragrance.

    The process is remarkably traditional. Fresh jasmine flowers are layered together with the tea and left overnight, allowing the leaves to naturally absorb the delicate floral aroma. The flowers are then removed the following morning before the process is repeated.

    Higher quality jasmine teas may be scented four to six times, while more everyday grades are typically scented only once or twice. The tea maker must also carefully control moisture levels throughout the process to preserve the freshness, balance and natural character of the tea.

    New Season Jasmine Teas From China Now Available

    Darjeeling & Assam Second Flush Arrivals

    We also have an excellent selection of second flush Darjeeling and Assam teas from India now available.

    This season has presented some challenges, with heavy rainfall from late May continuing through much of June. According to our sourcing partner in India, these conditions delayed the arrival of the highest quality second flush Darjeeling teas.

    Fortunately, the best teas have now begun arriving, bringing the rich muscatel character and depth of flavour that make second flush Darjeelings so highly regarded.

    Alongside Darjeeling, our latest Assam arrivals continue to showcase the full-bodied, malty character for which the region is famous.

    Current Second Flush Selection

    Darjeeling

    Assam

    Why Seasonal Harvests Matter

    Unlike many agricultural products, tea changes subtly from season to season. Weather, rainfall, temperature and harvest timing all influence the character of the finished tea.

    By working closely with our tea-growing partners throughout the year, we’re able to source fresh seasonal teas as they become available and share those harvests with our wholesale customers.

    This Season at a Glance

    The arrival of this year’s Chinese jasmine teas, together with the latest Darjeeling and Assam second flush harvests, marks another exciting point in the annual tea calendar.

    Each harvest reflects the unique growing conditions, craftsmanship and traditions of its region. From the delicate fragrance of freshly scented jasmine teas to the rich muscatel character of Darjeeling and the bold, malty depth of Assam, every tea offers something distinctive.

    As new harvests continue to arrive throughout the year, we’ll keep sharing seasonal updates from our tea-growing partners across Asia, giving our customers access to fresh, carefully selected teas sourced directly from origin.

  • From the Field: Visiting Our Mulberry and Butterfly Pea Growers in Thailand

    From the Field: Visiting Our Mulberry and Butterfly Pea Growers in Thailand

    Every ingredient has a story that begins long before it reaches the final product. During a recent sourcing trip to Thailand, we visited the family-owned farm and processing facilities behind our premium mulberry leaf tea and butterfly pea flower.

    At Zi Chun Tea, visiting our growers is an important part of how we source. Seeing operations first-hand allows us to better understand growing practices, build stronger relationships and ensure every product meets the quality, traceability and ethical standards we expect from our supply partners.

    Generational Expertise

    Our visit began with the family who founded and continues to manage the business today.

    Their hands-on involvement is evident throughout the operation, from crop management and harvesting through to processing and quality control. Years of experience have been passed from one generation to the next, creating a business built on consistency, care and long-term relationships with both growers and customers.

    Working directly with family-owned businesses like this gives us confidence in both the quality of the products and the people behind them.

    Empowering Local Farmers

    While the processing facility is family owned, much of the raw material is sourced directly from independent local farmers throughout the surrounding region.

    By offering fair pricing and long-term purchasing relationships, the business provides local growers with greater financial stability while encouraging sustainable agricultural practices.

    It’s a partnership that benefits everyone involved, from the farming communities through to customers seeking responsibly sourced botanical ingredients.

    Empowering Local Farmers

    While the processing facility is family owned, much of the raw material is sourced directly from independent local farmers throughout the surrounding region.

    By offering fair pricing and long-term purchasing relationships, the business provides local growers with greater financial stability while encouraging sustainable agricultural practices.

    It’s a partnership that benefits everyone involved, from the farming communities through to customers seeking responsibly sourced botanical ingredients.

    Quality from Field to Facility

    During our visit, we reviewed the harvesting, handling and processing methods used for both mulberry leaves and butterfly pea flowers.

    Maintaining quality begins in the field through careful harvesting at the right stage of growth. From there, the ingredients are processed using methods designed to preserve their natural colour, flavour and nutritional properties before being prepared for export.

    We also toured the processing facilities to better understand the quality control measures and working conditions that support every stage of production.

    Why Origin Visits Matter

    For us, sourcing is about much more than purchasing ingredients.

    Regular visits to our growers help strengthen long-term partnerships, provide greater transparency throughout the supply chain and ensure we continue sourcing products that reflect our commitment to quality and responsible business practices.

    These visits also allow us to better understand the challenges and opportunities faced by our growers, helping us build relationships based on trust rather than transactions.

    Reflections from the Field

    Our time in Thailand reinforced the value of working closely with family-owned businesses that share our commitment to quality, transparency and long-term partnerships.

    By visiting our growers in person, we gain a deeper appreciation for the care that goes into every harvest and every ingredient. Those experiences help shape the products we source and the relationships we continue to build throughout Asia.

  • From the Field: Visiting a Family-Owned Tea Estate in Kishanganj, Bihar

    From the Field: Visiting a Family-Owned Tea Estate in Kishanganj, Bihar

    Every tea tells a story long before it reaches the cup. During a recent sourcing trip to Kishanganj in Bihar, India, we visited a family-owned tea estate that left a lasting impression, not only because of the quality of its black tea, but because of the values behind how it is produced.

    For us, visiting tea gardens is about far more than selecting great teas. It’s an opportunity to meet the people behind the harvest, understand local growing conditions and see first-hand the care and craftsmanship that go into every batch of tea. This visit was a reminder that exceptional tea begins with exceptional care for both the land and the people who work it.

    Clean Infrastructure

    One of the first things we noticed was the estate’s commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for its workers.

    The family has recently invested in modern irrigation systems together with a central farmhouse that supports both the workforce and visiting buyers. The facilities include clean running water, modern hygiene amenities and a communal kitchen that provides a comfortable place to gather throughout the day.

    These investments may seem simple, but they demonstrate a genuine commitment to improving everyday working conditions and supporting the people who make each harvest possible.

    Shared Meals, Shared Respect

    One moment that stood out during our visit was lunchtime.

    The owners and workers all shared the same freshly prepared meal. There was no separate dining area or different menu. Everyone enjoyed the same nutritious food together, featuring locally grown pineapples, tomatoes and seasonal vegetables from the region.

    It’s a simple practice, but one that reflects the respect, equality and sense of community that exists throughout the estate.

    Shared Meals, Shared Respect

    One moment that stood out during our visit was lunchtime.

    The owners and workers all shared the same freshly prepared meal. There was no separate dining area or different menu. Everyone enjoyed the same nutritious food together, featuring locally grown pineapples, tomatoes and seasonal vegetables from the region.

    It’s a simple practice, but one that reflects the respect, equality and sense of community that exists throughout the estate.

    Artisanal Craft

    The estate’s signature black tea is carefully hand-picked before being dried slowly on traditional woven bamboo trays.

    This slower, more considered approach helps preserve the tea’s natural sweetness while producing a beautifully balanced cup with smooth character and very little bitterness. Watching the process first-hand reinforced how much patience, skill and craftsmanship go into producing high-quality specialty tea.

    Why Origin Visits Matter

    At Zi Chun Tea, we believe sourcing tea is about building long-term relationships, not simply placing orders.

    Regular visits to tea gardens allow us to better understand seasonal conditions, strengthen partnerships with tea growers and ensure the quality and consistency of the teas we share with our customers.

    They also give us the opportunity to tell the stories behind the tea. Stories of craftsmanship, community and the people whose dedication makes every harvest possible.

    Reflections from the Field

    Our visit to Kishanganj was a reminder that truly exceptional tea is about more than flavour alone. It reflects the care invested in the people who grow it, the traditions that shape it and the relationships built over time.

    These are the experiences that continue to shape how we source tea and why we remain committed to sharing authentic, specialty teas from garden to cup.