Yunomi: 30g Furyu's Rare Japanese Tea: Bancha Batabatacha

A rare, regionally produced pu-erh like tea from Toyama Prefecture, Japan. This tea has long been loved by the people of Asahimachi Birudan, a small town in the region. Tea leaves are harvested in early August, steamed in a pan until it becomes yellowish-brown. This steaming stops the function of the enzymes in the leaf preventing oxidization. After drying for a half-day, it is then placed in a wooden box and fermented. Finally, it is removed and spread out in the late summer sun to be dried. In this particular region, batabatacha is served at various events such as a gathering to commemorate one's ancestors, or when introducing the bride after a wedding ceremony.

The serving of the tea is ceremonial, but since it is usually held among family and close friends, it is also quite casual. Brewed tea is poured in a tea bowl to be whisked until it creates a foam, however, you can also drink it unwhisked as a regular tea.

STEEPING NOTES: Kettle brew this tea. Boil 2 liters of water (2.1 quarts or 68 fl oz), then place 10 grams of tea leaves into the kettle and brew for 10 minutes. Chill if serving cold.

ABOUT FURYU: Bancha Specialty Shop Furyu was established in 2010 by aspiring tea master Nobuhiko Ikematsu, who works directly with farmers in Kurume City, Fukuoka, to develop delicious bancha teas. He is also a specialist gathering rare bancha teas from around Japan.

ABOUT YUNOMIUS: Yunomius is a new Tokyo-based tea brand that is on a mission to help small-scale artisanal Japanese tea farmers and tea merchants reach global tea connoisseurs. Our teas are co-branded with the best of Japan's tea experts.