Sometimes simple is better
A while ago, I wrote about how much I enjoy green pekoe. Nothing special, usually the cheapest or best value at most online stores. That said, I purchased 4 ounces of Bancha from Harney & Sons. Bancha is a late summer, last harvest, lower-grade tea. Don’t let that description scare
you. I really enjoy Hojicha, which is basically roasted Bancha. This is the first time I’ve ever ordered just Bancha. Fortunately, I really like it. I enjoy not worrying about over steeping the tea or throwing the last drink out if I’m “full” for the night. Since this tea is good and affordable, I can treat it like I used to treat coffee. Keep in mind, this tea and most green teas are low in caffeine. If you are new to green tea, I do recommend this tea. It does not have the strong veggie flavor that other green teas have. I’ve learned to appreciate the “green-veggie” flavor of tea. However, if you are new to tea, it might be best to start off slowly until you know what you are doing. As I drink Bancha, there’s almost a sweetness about it. It has a slight nutty scent and flavor to it. It’s really light and refreshing. A few minutes in less than boiling water is all it takes to steep this loose leaf tea.
marTEA
June 8th, 2007 at 6:00 pm
So tell us more! Why don’t you have to worry about over-steeping it or throwing the last drink out? Would love to hear more!
June 8th, 2007 at 7:55 pm
If I’m drinking a top-grade tea, I feel obligated to drink the last drop. With Bancha, I drink as much as I want without feeling like I’m throwing my money down the drain once I’ve had my fill. In addition, Bancha seems to be an easy tea to steep. This is a tea that I don’t have to steep down to the second, or make sure the water is exactly 180 degrees. That’s why I think it’s a great tea for new loose leaf tea drinkers.
It’s just an easy, fun, tasty and affordable tea.
marTEA