Makio McDonald started her tea business, SABŌ, about 10 years ago when she found it hard to find good quality Japanese tea (no/low caffeine) for daily drinking living in London. She knew some organic tea farmers in Japan so wanted to share their delicious teas.
At the same time she began thinking of introducing Japanese craft objects to the UK, which had been a passion for over 25 years. She wanted to show craft objects which she uses in daily life, and began curating exhibitions of selected items about three years ago.
An appreciation for a sense of beauty and a deep respect for the makers connects the worlds of tea and craft.
Nagano, Japan
Roasted buckwheat tea. It has a mild toasted flavour with nutty aroma, containing a large amount of the antioxidant lutin. No caffeine.
Mugi Cha
Yamagata, Japan
This organic barley tea has been gently roasted at a low temperature to enhance its mild flavour and aroma. It results in a tea with a pale golden colour and mild sweet flavour. No caffeine.
Sannen Bancha
Nara, Japan
This organic Sannen Bancha is mainly the stem, (70%) and the leaves, (30%) of the tea plant which has been picked only after three years. It is then slowly roasted over a wood burning fire. After which it is rested for over 6 months. This tea has a deep smoky flavour. Very low caffeine.
Hojicha
Miyazaki, Japan
This organic Hojicha is made by slowly roasting Kukicha (leaves and stems of the first and second harvest) at a very high temperature. It has a beautiful aroma and sweet toasted flavour. Low caffeine.
