About Nibancha

Nibancha, a term well known to connoisseurs of the Japanese art of tea, refers to the second harvest of tea in the year. This harvest usually takes place in late June to early July and produces a special variety of flavors and nuances. Nibancha plays a specific role in the rich tradition of Japanese tea cultivation, reflecting the course of the year in the tea garden on the one hand and revealing a remarkable facet of Japan's tea culture on the other.

While tea drinkers around the world appreciate the first harvest, Shincha or Ichibancha, for its fresh and multi-layered taste profiles, Nibancha reveals its very own, idiosyncratic presence. This second harvest is characterized by more mature leaves that have ripened in the warmer months of the year and, as a result, have a higher concentration of catechins. These polyphenols give the tea its characteristic bitterness and are also known for their health benefits.

Nibancha is less delicate than Ichibancha, but has a strong, earthy base underpinned by a pleasant, robust tannin structure. These stronger aromas are an expression of a summer that allows the plants to flourish in all their glory under the bright Japanese sun. The leaves are richer in flavor, more subtle in sweetness, but engaging in their mineral freshness, a reminder of the fertile soil and rich ecosystem that is home to the tea bushes.

The cultivation and production of Nibancha is the responsibility of Japan's experienced tea gardeners, who spend a whole year perfecting the characteristics of each harvest. During this growing phase, traditional craftsmanship is followed to bring out the complex aromas and characteristic taste of Nibancha. This tea is often processed into Sencha, which then unfolds its fresh, light aromas upright in the cup and offers the connoisseur an authentic taste of Japanese tea in its summer version.

In addition to its enjoyment, Nibancha offers health benefits as it is rich in antioxidants and vitamins. This makes it not only a stimulating drink, but also a beneficial component of a balanced lifestyle. The increased catechin concentration means that Nibancha can also help to promote general wellbeing by boosting the immune system and supporting metabolic processes.

Nibancha symbolizes the season of summer and the ever-present effort of tea farmers to make the most of nature's cycle. A tea that combines harmony and strength in its mid-tones will be appreciated by those who want to find in their tea a foolproof reflection of Japan's botanical richness and the consistent artistry of its producers.