This Kirishima Aki Bancha is an autumn harvest green tea cultivated by Shutaro Hayashi, 5th generation tea farmer on Kirishima Mountain. “Aki” means Autumn, but the large, bright olive green leaves evoke the feeling of the final days of summer. Most Bancha is made with Summer leaves in fact, but Mr. Hayashi chooses to make his with fall leaves since the early Autumn sun is not as strong as in Summer resulting in a tea that is not as bitter and with a nice long aftertaste. You'll also find Mr. Hayashi stays true to his production philosophy by insisting on a fine sorting, even while producing simple teas. Bancha tea is low on teine and famous for being recommended for those following a macrobiotic diet.
Origin: Kirishima, Kagoshima, Kyushu, Japan
Harvest: Fall, 2023
Color of infusion: yellowish-green
Aroma: dry straw, marjoram, butter, sweet corn
Flavor: brisk, nutty, hay, slight astringency, vegetal
Temperature: 75º c
Steeping Time: 1min; 45sec; 2min