Southeast Asian & Himalayan

A geographically diverse group outside the three major green traditions, united by elevation growing and by offering terroir that the Chinese and Japanese families cannot supply. Vietnam's Shan Tuyet greens come from ancient wild trees in the northern highlands with a mineral wildness absent from lowland-grown styles; Vietnamese lotus-scented green tea is a distinct scented tradition. Nepal's Ilam greens from Himalayan foothills bring a clean brightness that sits close to Darjeeling green in character. These are worth tracking when origin diversity matters more than stylistic range.