Kawasaki Kiko Co. Ltd. has launched the new machine since 2016 for withering tea shoots under the condition which we can set as we like. The machine rotates its drum at the rate and interval we arrange and keeps the inside temperature at the preset degree. Beside, we can set these conditions by stages.
Kawasaki Kiko Co., Ltd. tries further development of the machine and system for the production of oxidized teas. For this purpose, the company has applied their test products to Japanese Tea Award. In 2017, their oolong tea and black tea made using the withering machine got the fine products award and the special jury award, respectively.
The machine has been already applied for the processing various oxidized teas. Prefectural research center in Miyazaki pref., where is a great tea estate famous for pan-fired tea in Japan, has cooperated with Kawasaki Kiko Co., Ltd. for establishing the machine. Miyazaki Prefectural Research Center and Kawasaki Kiko Co., Ltd. conducted a pilot experiment of the withering machine of rotating drum with Miyazaki Sabou Co., Ltd., which is the one of the most sophisticated organic tea farmers producing oxidized teas in Japan (Its specialty teas are popular and served at various event such as Minori Harvest Ffestival and some public seminars). As a result of the experiment, the machine has been improved and its verification was confirmed for the practical use.
In Shizuoka prefecture, Kawane-hon town introduced the rotating drum machine to enhance the development of new products. The agricultural research center of Kawane-hon town leases the machine by reasonable price for tea farmers. In some occasions, tea farmers and related businesses hold processing tests or seminars for improving each skill of withering teas shoots better.
In 2016, highly-motivated tea farmers in Shizuoka pref. learned and discussed with a teacher from the Miyazaki prefectural research center for mutual development of tea processing skill in a seminar in the Kawane-hon town open laboratory held by a prefectural support center of agriculture in Shida Haibara region. Dr. Takashima explained some examples of condition for better withering.
In the seminar, engineers of Kawasaki Kiko Co., Ltd. also joined and explained how to set the conditions for withering and change of tea leaves on the process of withering in the machine.
Tea farmers discussed eagerly with Dr. Takahashi, engineers of Kawasaki Kiko Co., Ltd. and each other in the seminar.
These activities could accelerate the development and sophistication of tea production technologies. Hopefully more excellent oxidized teas would be launched and we could enjoy them!