Japanese tea growing regions in relation to the Fukishima-zone.

We have had a number of customers asking us to post a map of the main tea-growing areas in relation to the crippled nuclear reactor in Fukushima. Here is a small map showing all the main growing areas (in blue) with the affected zone (in red).  You may notice that a the majority of tea is produced in the southern part of the country.

Some more info concerning possible radiation in Japanese green tea.

Here is an interesting CNN report about the cesium found in Japanese green tea.  Take special note at the very end of the report where the amounts needed to be consumed before your body is affected by the radiation.  Interesting info......

http://www.cnn.com/video/#%2Fvideo%2Fworld%2F2011%2F06%2F19%2Flah.green.tea.radiation.cnn%3Firef%3Dallsearch

Some new information about Japanese Green tea.

We are trying to keep our customers informed about the potential radiation problems with Japanese green tea and we are in constant contact with several of our suppliers.  As of right now, there are four prefectures that are banning all export of tea.  We do not carry any tea from these regions.  Higher than allowable levels of cesium have been found in these areas (directly adjacent to the Fukushima plant).  If you have any concerns about the purchase of Japanese green tea from The Tea Haus, please contact us either via email, phone, or in the shop.  We would be happy to provide any and all up-to-date information that we currently have concerning our teas.  Here is an interesting short read about Shizuoka tea-tastings in NYC recently, which were all found to be safe for export.

http://hopsii.tumblr.com/post/7645035569/promoting-safety-of-shizuoka-green-tea-in-nyc