Bancha

Bancha is used as a base for so many different teas. We see it in stuff Frank over at 52teas makes. We see it in most bagged green teas. We even see it in iced green teas and as a base for blended greens like Genmaicha. This Bancha from Harney & Sons is a nice quality brew.

The thick gritty looking green leaves put off a nice grassy smell. The flavor is a bit more astringent than I expected, but contains notes of collard greens, steamed brussels sprouts and a vegetal smoothness similar to artichoke.

I recommend this tea to fans of any Japanese green tea, be it Genmaicha, Hojicha or Spring Rose tea. Fans of the more shade grown teas from Japan such as Gyokuro or other Fukamushi style teas may find this tea hit or miss.

As employees here at the store we are so spoiled by the ability to drink any tea at our fingertips, that most of the time those fingers reach for those high end exclusive teas. We forget that something so simple as Bancha, a Japanese green tea whose leaves are a bit larger and rougher than that of Sencha, can be equally as enjoyable as something twice its price.

Bancha has a much nuttier flavor than that of Sencha, but it is easy to drink and compliments meals well.

Great value tea, $20/lb.

Nice grassy flavor without too much bitterness, hints of hay and a sandy beach in autumn. Steeps are good up until the 3rd, maybe even the 4th brew. Watch out for water temp and over brewing.

I agree with the artichoke and hints of brussle sprout flavors suggested by “Tea-Guy”, I find these nice. There is also a distinct nut aftertaste, somewhat like walnuts. The tea also provides a great psychological buzz and concentration not unlike that of a Sencha.

I like to use a lot of this tea and reduce the steep time by half. This creates a nice progression of brews. First brew maybe only 30 seconds, subsequent brews add 30s to the previous brew time.

Overall, fantastic everyday green japanese tea.