If you’ve ever had Turkish tea, chances are it came from a place called Rize — a lush, green region along the Black Sea coast of northeastern Turkey.
But why Rize?
🌧️ Where the Mountains Meet the Mist
Rize’s geography is unlike anywhere else in Turkey. It sits between the steep Pontic Mountains and the Black Sea, creating a humid, rainy microclimate with mild temperatures and incredibly fertile soil.
This unique environment allows tea plants to thrive without pesticides — a rarity in commercial agriculture. The result? Tea leaves that grow naturally, rich in aroma, flavor, and character.
📜 How Tea Came to Rize
Tea didn’t arrive in Rize by accident. In the 1920s, the Turkish government launched a national effort to reduce dependency on imported goods. As part of this, tea cultivation was introduced in Rize, which had the perfect conditions for it.
By the 1950s, tea had become a major part of the region’s economy — and by the 1980s, it was a national ritual.
Today, Rize is synonymous with Turkish tea.
📈 How Much Tea Does Rize Produce?
A lot.
Every year, Turkey produces over 1.3 million tons of fresh tea leaves, and more than 65% of that comes from Rize — the country’s tea capital. That translates to nearly 900,000 tons of fresh leaves and around 170,000 tons of dried black tea processed right in the Rize region.
This production not only fuels daily life in Turkish homes but also supports thousands of small-scale farmers and cooperatives across the region.
🌱 Rize and Mayıs Çayı: A Local Secret
Among all the tea harvested in Rize, one variety stands out — Mayıs Çayı, or “May Tea”. This is the first flush of the season, harvested in late spring when the leaves are at their youngest and most flavorful.
Locals in Rize often save Mayıs Çayı for guests or special occasions because of its smooth taste and fresh aroma. While it’s not well-known internationally, it’s treasured by those who understand the craft of real tea.
That’s why Tami Gourmet brings you Mayıs Çayı — straight from Rize’s spring harvest to your home.
💚 More Than a Crop — A Way of LifeIn Rize, tea isn’t just agriculture — it’s part of the identity. Families pass down their gardens, and tea is part of everyday life. It’s common to see people harvesting leaves by hand, drying them in the sun, and brewing fresh tea even on construction sites or in fields.
So when you sip Mayıs Çayı from Tami Gourmet, you’re not just enjoying great tea — you’re tasting the land, the culture, and the love that comes from generations of Turkish tea growers.