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Hey everyone! I’m Alex, a Bay Area-based tea enthusiast, freelance writer, and long-time blogger living in sunny California. Over the past 15 years, my tea journey has taken me from cheap teabags in college dorms to high-end single-origin teas in specialty shops—and even personal trips to tea gardens in Yunnan and Japan. But the one brand that made me truly loyal, the one I keep coming back to (and stocking up on), is Rishi Tea & Botanicals . In this post, I’m diving deep to honestly share why I wholeheartedly recommend their products. This isn’t just tea; it’s a commitment to quality, ethics, and pure enjoyment.
Quick spoiler: If you’re still sipping supermarket tea or skeptical about “organic direct trade,” head straight to rishi-tea.com. Over 95% of their ingredients are certified organic, sourced directly from artisan growers worldwide, with flavors that are clean, layered, and incredibly fresh. Prices are accessible too—most loose leaf tins start around $17–$21. I’m a real paying customer with a cabinet full of their tins, not a sponsored shill.
The Rishi Tea Story: Exploration, Direct Trade, and Unwavering Sustainability
Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rishi Tea was started by Joshua Kaiser, a lifelong tea obsessive who spends months each year traveling to remote tea gardens. Their philosophy revolves around Direct Trade: bypassing middlemen to work straight with small-scale farmers, paying them 5–10 times the commodity market rate. This encourages organic farming, better livelihoods, and superior quality leaves.
Rishi was one of the first U.S. companies to earn USDA organic certification back in 2002, and today, more than 95% of their sourcing is organic. They venture off the beaten path—think ancient forest teas in northern Thailand, family farms in Kagoshima, Japan, or wild botanicals in Mexico. Their inspiration blends ancient herbal traditions with modern innovation, resulting in teas that feel like a global adventure in every cup.
Unlike mass-market brands loaded with pesticides or stale stock, Rishi’s teas brew clean, with lingering sweetness and no bitterness. You can re-steep most multiple times. Their Journal section on the site is packed with travel stories and education—it’s like reading a tea explorer’s diary.
My Daily Staples: In-Depth Reviews of Rishi’s Standout Loose Leaf Teas
Loose leaf is Rishi’s superpower—whole leaves preserve maximum flavor and aroma. Their lineup spans black, green, oolong, white, pu’er, matcha, and caffeine-free botanicals. I’ve tried dozens; here are my all-time favorites with honest tasting notes.
1. Earl Grey Supreme: Hands-Down the Best Earl Grey I’ve Ever Had
If your morning ritual includes Earl Grey, stop everything and try Earl Grey Supreme (starting at $21). It’s built on premium organic Ceylon black tea, infused with cold-pressed bergamot oil for a rich, citrusy, floral explosion. No artificial notes—just layered brightness with a smooth finish. It takes milk beautifully and never turns bitter. Customers rave: “The best Earl Grey out there—I’ve switched permanently.” I echo that. For a twist, grab Earl Grey Lavender—soothing and elegant for evenings.
2. Turmeric Ginger: My Go-To Wellness Boost
Especially in cooler months (even here in California), Turmeric Ginger (from $17.50) is pure magic. Organic turmeric, ginger, lemongrass, licorice, and black pepper create a spicy, zesty, fragrant brew that’s warming and digestive-soothing. High anti-inflammatory properties without caffeine—perfect for evenings or when I’m under the weather. It lifts my mood instantly. Similar gems: Tangerine Ginger (citrusy twist), Elderberry Healer (antioxidant-packed), and Blueberry Hibiscus (tart and refreshing).
3. Jasmine Green: Floral Perfection
Jasmine (from $20) uses high-quality green tea scented naturally with fresh jasmine blossoms. The aroma is fresh, floral, and elegant—no fake perfume taste. Ideal for afternoon relaxation.
4. Black Tea Classics: English Breakfast, Masala Chai, and More
English Breakfast (from $18.50): Robust, brisk, and sweet—my strong morning brew with milk. Masala Chai (from $17.50): Perfectly balanced spices (ginger, cinnamon, cardamom)—spicy yet not overpowering. I make concentrates at home. Golden Yunnan: Malty, jammy, mellow—feels luxurious.
5. Green and Oolong Highlights
Jade Cloud: Savory, floral, roasty. Iron Goddess of Mercy (Tie Guan Yin oolong): Roasty dried fruit with a smooth finish—complex for tea nerds.
Their best-sellers page is customer-voted gold: Earl Grey Supreme, Turmeric Ginger, Jasmine, Masala Chai, and English Breakfast dominate year-round.
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Matcha Heaven: Barista Matcha and Accessories
For matcha lattes, I only use Rishi. Barista Matcha ($65.25) is designed for daily use—vibrant green, smooth, umami-rich without bitterness. Blends flawlessly with milk, no jitters. Upgrade to Teahouse Matcha for ceremonial quality. Accessories are top-notch: Bamboo whisk ($19.50), sifter ($14.50), scoop ($22.50), and pouring bowl. Starter bundles make it easy.
For Convenience Lovers: Sachets, Gift Sets, and Teaware
Loose leaf purist? Me too. But Rishi’s sachets use whole leaves (not dust), brewing nearly as well. The Premium Sachet Collection ($41) is a 12-flavor sampler—great for gifting or trying varieties. Bulk options like 50-count Turmeric Ginger ($36) for offices.
Teaware shines: Simple Brew Glass Teapot ($29)—watch leaves dance as they infuse. Perfect for hot or cold brew.
Shopping Tips for rishi-tea.com: My Pro Hacks
The site is clean and intuitive—filter by type, flavor profile (Energizing/Calming), origin, or caffeine level. Start with best-sellers or samplers. Tins are reusable and eco-friendly; gift wrapping options are gorgeous for holidays.
Shipping is fast in the U.S., and they have a Tea Club subscription for monthly surprises. Packaging is thoughtful—protects freshness beautifully.
Why Rishi Over Other Brands?
I’ve sampled Harney & Sons, Art of Tea, David’s Tea, and more. Rishi wins because:
- Purity & Freshness: Seasonal direct sourcing, no old stock.
- Variety & Innovation: Classics plus unique botanicals.
- Ethics: True direct trade and organic focus.
- Education: In-depth brewing guides and stories.
- Community Feedback: Thousands of glowing reviews—”addictive,” “best quality ever.”
How Rishi Tea Transformed My Routine
Three years in, I’ve swapped multiple coffees for 4–5 cups of Rishi daily. I feel lighter, more focused, better sleep. Tea has become my mindfulness ritual: Morning black for energy, afternoon green for calm, evening herbal for unwind.
Ready to level up? Start at Rishi Tea & Botanicals with Turmeric Ginger or Earl Grey Supreme. You won’t regret it.
What’s your favorite Rishi tea? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear!
