About Bancha

Bancha - a name that has a very special ring to it in the realms of the Japanese tea shores. This green tea, which has won the hearts of many tea lovers, fascinates with its earthy simplicity and robust presence. Bancha is one of the everyday classics of Japanese tea culture, but at the same time it has nuances that only reveal themselves on closer inspection.

While the first tender shoots of the tea bushes are picked in spring to produce the delicate Sencha or the noble Gyokuro, Bancha is obtained from the later harvests of the season. It typically comes from the third to fourth pickings from August onwards. These harvest phases produce broader, coarser leaves that contain less caffeine and amino acids, but develop their own distinctive taste.

The character of bancha is earthy and slightly tart, significantly less sweet than its more famous relatives, sencha and gyokuro. Its flavor notes are reminiscent of forest wood and the scent of damp earth after a refreshing summer rain. The appeal of bancha lies precisely in this rustic quality - it is grounded, down-to-earth and brings a soothing simplicity to the teacup. Thanks to its low caffeine content, it is also an excellent drink for the evening when you want to relax and wind down at the end of the day.

Bancha is uncomplicated to prepare. The leaves are only briefly steeped in hot water, usually at a temperature of around 80 degrees Celsius and for just one minute. Another special feature is the many different ways in which bancha is prepared. For example, there is roasted hōjicha, a relative of bancha, whose leaves are roasted over a hot fire and thus develop a nutty roasted aroma.

The health benefits of bancha are also in line with its role as a daily companion. The antioxidant properties of the polyphenols contained in the leaves have a positive effect on well-being and promote general physical balance. The catechins they contain also strengthen the immune system and help to detoxify the body.

Above all, bancha remains a harmonizing drink that brings calm and balance to everyday life. In stressful times, this tea reminds us of the simple beauty of the now and invites us to enjoy the humble magic of the moment. Bancha is more than just a drink - it is a lifestyle, an expression of the desire for simplicity and inner harmony that is deeply rooted in Japanese culture.