{"title":"Japanese Dark Tea","description":"Dark teas--teas that have been fermented after initial processing--are not common in Japan, but have been produced in small villages in various parts of Japan for centuries. These folk teas are often produced or its production supported by municipal governments as an effort to preserve historical traditions.","products":[{"product_id":"furyu-batabatacha-rare-bancha-tea-30g","title":"#0303.N4 Furyu: Batabatacha, Rare Bancha Tea ふりゅう バタバタ茶","description":"\u003cp\u003eBatabatacha is a tea with an unique tradition dating back to before the 15th century. Loved by the people in the town of Asahimachi Birudan of Toyama Prefecture, it is a fermented tea similar to Chinese pu-erh tea, and is traditionally drunk whisked and foamed with a pinch of salt.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHistory of Batabatacha\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe earliest known record of this tea comes from a visit by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rennyo\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eRennyo\u003c\/a\u003e, the 8th head priest of Jodo Shinshu sect of Buddhism, in 1472 where he \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www4.tkc.pref.toyama.jp\/toyama\/topics_detail.phtml?Record_ID=384e37353fb62eb204daa230f6b30e7b\" target=\"_blank\"\u003enoted\u003c\/a\u003e that the locals were combining this tea with rice and alcohol into a single dish that was eaten\/drunk. Production however had died out by the 1970s, and the people of Birudan in Asahi Village were buying their dark tea from tea farmer Hideo Shimizu in Mihama Village, Fukui Prefecture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1975, the aging Shimizu-san had decided to stop production, and Akinobu Hagiwara of Kosugi Village, Toyama learned the process, taking over production for the people of Birudan. In the 1980s, the Village of Birudan itself together made an effort to learn production from Hagiwara-san to ensure the tradition was not lost, and established fields in the village in the 1990s. With the help of Kagawa University Professor Kinjiro Miyagawa, the village improved the quality of the leaves, and now production has become a community project led by the local chambers of commerce. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow is batabatacha made?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe third flush in July - August is the harvesting season for tea leaves used in making batabatacha. Tea leaves are picked by the branch, and are chopped up before steaming until the color becomes yellowish-brown. Steaming process stops the function of enzymes. (This step allows the tea to be classified as green tea. Without this step, the enzymes would oxidize the the leaves turning it into an oolong or black tea, though there are other steps in making oolong and black teas to consider.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter drying the tea for half-day, it is placed in a wooden box for fermentation (this step would allow the leaf to be classified as a dark tea). When the leaves have reached about 65-70 degrees Celsius, they are laid out in rooms and turned every 2-3 days for 3-4 weeks. They are then taken outside and dried in the shade for half a day, before drying in the sun for 2-3 days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this particular region of Toyama Prefecture, batabatacha is served at various events such as a gathering for ancestor's commemoration or when introducing the bride after the wedding ceremony. As a type of 'tea party' held among family, close relatives and friends, the serving of this tea is ceremonial, but casual at the same time. Brewed tea is poured in a tea bowl to be whisked until it creates a foam. People in the town also drink unwhisked batabatacha with their everyday meal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eVitamin B12\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have not tested batabatacha for vitamin B12 ourselves, but this study claims that the tea contains a significant amount: '456 ± 39 ng per 100 g dry tea leaves and 2.0 ± 0.3 ng per 100 mL of tea drink'. The study conducted testing on rats concluding that 'the vitamin B12 found in the fermented black tea is bioavailable in mammals.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSource: Hiromi Kittaka-Katsura, Syuhei Ebara, Fumio Watanabe, and Yoshihisa Nakano. '\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/pubs.acs.org\/doi\/pdf\/10.1021\/jf030585r\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eCharacterization of Corrinoid Compounds from a Japanese Black Tea (Batabata-cha) Fermented by Bacteria\u003c\/a\u003e.' \u003cem\u003eJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry\u003c\/em\u003e. 2004, 52 (4), pp 909–11. (Abstract is available without membership.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA PDF report of this study is also available here: Hiromi Kittaka-Katsura, Fumio Watanabe, and Yoshihisa Nakano. '\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.jstage.jst.go.jp\/article\/jnsv1973\/50\/6\/50_6_438\/_pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eOccurrence of Vitamin B12 in Green, Blue, Red, and Black Tea Leaves\u003c\/a\u003e.' \u003cem\u003eJournal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology\u003c\/em\u003e. 2004, 50, pp 438-40.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe would appreciate comments from nutritionists, food scientists, etc. to help understand the above.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eProduct Info\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIngredients\u003c\/strong\u003e: Post fermented green tea leaves\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest\u003c\/strong\u003e: July - August\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRegion\u003c\/strong\u003e: Asahi Village, Toyama Prefecture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to brew batabatacha\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTraditionally, you would boil about 20g of leaves in a large kettle for an hour. Then adding a pinch of salt, you whisk the batabatacha with a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/yumenet.live\/products\/coupled-bamboo-whisk-for-batabatacha\" title=\"Batabatacha coupled bamboo whisk\" target=\"_blank\"\u003especial whisk\u003c\/a\u003e for up to five minutes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/4rtPFog6jAI\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlternatively, we recommend as a lighter more standard tea, using 5 grams and steeping in 200-400 ml of hot water for about 5 minutes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eVendor Info\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eName\u003c\/strong\u003e: Furyu Bancha Specialty Shop\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType\u003c\/strong\u003e: Tea shop\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOwner\u003c\/strong\u003e: Nobuhiko Ikematsu, Bancha specialist\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEstablished\u003c\/strong\u003e: 2010\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLocation\u003c\/strong\u003e: 1863-3 Tsubukuhonmachi, Kurume-shi, Fukuoka-ken 830-0047 (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/SPoyKUFz6HU2\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eGoogle Map\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbout Bancha Specialty Shop Furyu\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBancha 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Furyu Bancha Specialty Shop","offers":[{"title":"10g \/ 0.35 oz \/ Yunomi sample bag","offer_id":9959882757,"sku":"fur-bata-010","price":550.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"100g \/ 3.5 oz \/ bulk bag","offer_id":39730411012201,"sku":"fur-bata-100","price":3300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"500g \/ 17.6 oz \/ bulk bag","offer_id":42430114955369,"sku":"fur-bata-500","price":11900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/4578\/files\/0303.N4FuryuBatabatacha_RareBanchaTea_yumenet.live_1.png?v=1781943857"},{"product_id":"furyu-tosa-bancha","title":"#0306.K4 Furyu: Tosa Bancha ふりゅう 土佐番茶","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThis curious Tosa-bancha, which may remind you of a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/yumenet.live\/collections\/hojicha\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehojicha\u003c\/a\u003e, is drunk mainly in \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/K%C5%8Dchi_(city)\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKochi city\u003c\/a\u003e (located in Shikoku island). It also contains roasted shore beans and is characterized by its aroma. In Japanese cuisine, this tea will go quite well with grilled fish, and the combination of a grilled fish set meal and bancha at Tosa's drive-in is one of our favorite combinations. This bancha is also recommended to make  \u003cem\u003eochazuke\u003c\/em\u003e (i.e., a simple Japanese dish made by pouring tea, dashi, or hot water over cooked rice). We are sure it will accompany cuisines which are not Japanese, and of course, you can enjoy it on its own!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"card__title heading h3\"\u003eProduction of the bancha green tea leaves for Tosa Bancha\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 1.5;\"\u003eAutumn harvested leaves are steamed\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 1.5;\"\u003ePounded to soften\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 1.5;\"\u003eMassaged to soften further\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 1.5;\"\u003eTumbled to soften further\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 1.5;\"\u003eDried\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 1.5;\"\u003eFinally they are blended with kishimame, an herb common throughout Japan with various names\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/4578\/files\/img2.jpg?11719581115135928997\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/4578\/files\/img3.jpg?17570589041240077148\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImages from the \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.kochi-marugoto.pref.kochi.lg.jp\/kensanpin\/topics\/200612\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKochi Prefecture website\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"card__title heading h3\"\u003eSteeping Info\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTea\u003c\/strong\u003e: 3 grams\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTime\u003c\/strong\u003e: 30-60 seconds\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater temperature\u003c\/strong\u003e: 100C\/212F degrees\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater amount\u003c\/strong\u003e: 200 - 400 ml\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"card__title heading h3\"\u003eProduct Info\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong style=\"line-height: 1.4;\"\u003eName\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 1.4;\"\u003e: Tosa Bancha\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 1.4;\"\u003eJapanese\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 1.4;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e name\u003c\/strong\u003e: 土佐番茶\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 1.4;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong style=\"line-height: 1.4;\"\u003eIngredients\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 1.4;\"\u003e: Green tea leaves and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem style=\"line-height: 1.4;\"\u003eChamaecrista nomame\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 1.4;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 1.4;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion\u003c\/strong\u003e: Kochi prefecture\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eVendor Info\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eName\u003c\/strong\u003e: Furyu Bancha Specialty Shop\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType\u003c\/strong\u003e: Tea shop\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOwner\u003c\/strong\u003e: Nobuhiko Ikematsu, Bancha specialist\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEstablished\u003c\/strong\u003e: 2010\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLocation\u003c\/strong\u003e: 1863-3 Tsubukuhonmachi, Kurume-shi, Fukuoka-ken 830-0047 (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/SPoyKUFz6HU2\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eGoogle Map\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbout Bancha Specialty Shop Furyu\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBancha 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Furyu Bancha Specialty Shop","offers":[{"title":"10g \/ 0.35 oz","offer_id":42129533829225,"sku":"fur10479-010","price":550.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"30g \/ 1 oz","offer_id":4078087621,"sku":"fur10479-030","price":990.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"150g (30g x 5 bags) \/ 5.3 oz","offer_id":4078087685,"sku":"fur10479-030x5","price":4980.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/4578\/products\/furyu-tosa-bancha-957332.jpg?v=1773719835"},{"product_id":"furyu-mimasaka-bancha-dark-tea","title":"#0304.P2 Furyu: Mimasaka Bancha, Dark Tea ふりゅう 岡山美作番茶","description":"\u003cp\u003eMimasaka Bancha is a tea that is known to have been loved by Miyamoto Musashi, a famous swordsman in the early Edo Period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca class=\"btn\" href=\"https:\/\/yumenet.live\/blogs\/japanese-tea-guide\/discover-mimasaka-bancha-okayamas-regional-tea\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"How to make mimasaka bancha\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eRead about how Mimasaka Bancha is crafted\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is made by using the tea leaves and stems harvested from mid July - mid August. Leaves and stems are boiled in an iron pan. Boiled tea leaves are spread out onto a straw mat. Cooked water used for boiling the tea is sprinkled onto the tea leaves as it is dried under the sunlight, and this is repeated two or three times. As a result of tea incrustation from the water sprinkled onto the tea, color of the dried tea leaves become amber.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSTEEPING NOTES\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause Mimasaka Bancha is slightly fermented, it must be brewed in boiling water for 7-8 minutes to fully enjoy the tea. By pouring boiling water to the tea leaves will extract only the sour flavor contained in the tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeveral customers have recommended brewing the leaves to a thicker, stronger extract, so here is our current recommendation:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTea\u003c\/strong\u003e: 5 grams. \u003cstrong\u003eTime\u003c\/strong\u003e: 8 minutes. \u003cstrong\u003eWater\u003c\/strong\u003e: About 2 cups or 300-350 ml. Place leaves in boiling water and brew for 8 minutes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eProduct Info\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong style=\"line-height: 1.4;\"\u003eName\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 1.4;\"\u003e: Mimasaka Bancha\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 21px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJapanese name\u003c\/strong\u003e: 美作番茶\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong style=\"line-height: 1.4;\"\u003eIngredients\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 1.4;\"\u003e: Green tea leaves\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 21px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest\u003c\/strong\u003e: July - August\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 1.4;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion\u003c\/strong\u003e: Okayama prefecture\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eVendor Info\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eName\u003c\/strong\u003e: Furyu Bancha Specialty Shop\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType\u003c\/strong\u003e: Tea shop\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOwner\u003c\/strong\u003e: Nobuhiko Ikematsu, Bancha specialist\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEstablished\u003c\/strong\u003e: 2010\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLocation\u003c\/strong\u003e: 1863-3 Tsubukuhonmachi, Kurume-shi, Fukuoka-ken 830-0047 (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/SPoyKUFz6HU2\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eGoogle Map\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbout Bancha Specialty Shop Furyu\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBancha 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Furyu Bancha Specialty Shop","offers":[{"title":"5g \/ 0.2 oz","offer_id":4101684805,"sku":"fur-10485-005","price":300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"30g \/ 1 oz","offer_id":4101684869,"sku":"fur-10485-030","price":900.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"1kg \/ 2.2 lbs \/ please inquire","offer_id":4101684933,"sku":"fur-10485-1kg","price":18000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/4578\/products\/furyu-mimasaka-bancha-dark-tea-908550.jpg?v=1773719947"},{"product_id":"furyu-awa-bancha","title":"#0302.T2 Furyu: Awa Bancha ふりゅう 阿波番茶","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThis Awa Bancha from the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/yumenet.live\/collections\/furyu-bancha-specialty-shop\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eFuryu Bancha Specialty Shop\u003c\/a\u003e is a rare, traditional post-fermented tea from Tokushima Prefecture (Located in Shikoku Island). This tea was grown and made in Kamikatsu-cho, which is said to be one of the most beautiful places in Shikoku due to its natural beauty. This tea was fermented with lactic acid bacteria by picking the branches from a strong tea bush, which they harvest once a year (Please see the video below). We hope you will be able to appreciate this unique Awa Bancha, which was made without the use of pesticides.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHarvesting\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves used for awa bancha tea are harvested in summer, July and August usually, by striping the leaves off a branch by hand as in the video below (from the local farmers cooperative that produces the tea).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/wnGgwnOkLjM\" height=\"480\" width=\"853\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e Slideshow of the various members of the cooperative: \u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/S8vSAXzuXRQ\" height=\"480\" width=\"853\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSteeping Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTea\u003c\/strong\u003e: 5 grams\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTime\u003c\/strong\u003e: 3-5 minutes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eWater\u003c\/b\u003e: 100C\/212F, 200-400 ml\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNotes: \u003c\/strong\u003eYou can also enjoy this tea cold in the summer time \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eProduct Info\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 1.4;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eName\u003c\/strong\u003e: Awa Bancha or Awabancha\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eJapanese name\u003c\/strong\u003e: 阿波番茶\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eIngredients\u003c\/b\u003e: Black teas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest\u003c\/strong\u003e: July and August\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRegion: \u003c\/strong\u003eTokushima Prefecture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eVendor Info\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eName\u003c\/strong\u003e: Furyu Bancha Specialty Shop\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType\u003c\/strong\u003e: Tea shop\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOwner\u003c\/strong\u003e: Nobuhiko Ikematsu, Bancha specialist\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEstablished\u003c\/strong\u003e: 2010\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLocation\u003c\/strong\u003e: 1863-3 Tsubukuhonmachi, Kurume-shi, Fukuoka-ken 830-0047 (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/SPoyKUFz6HU2\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eGoogle Map\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbout Bancha Specialty Shop Furyu\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBancha 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Furyu Bancha Specialty Shop","offers":[{"title":"5g \/ 0.18 oz","offer_id":4101685189,"sku":"fur-10488-005","price":450.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"30g \/ 1 oz","offer_id":4101685253,"sku":"fur-10488-030","price":1450.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"500g ( 250g x 2 bags ) \/ 17.6 oz \/ bulk bag","offer_id":4101685317,"sku":"fur-10488-500","price":20000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/4578\/products\/furyu-awa-bancha-686916.jpg?v=1773719649"},{"product_id":"goishicha-from-the-otoyo-town-goishicha-producers-association","title":"#0600.K4 Goishicha from the Otoyo Town Goishicha Producer's Association 大豊町碁石茶協同組合 『本場の本物』碁石茶","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe retail product created by the Otoyo Town Goishicha Producer's Association.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/4578\/files\/downfile1108214519.JPG?10764968225629196379\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eFor over 400 years, the producers in Otoyo Town spend two months in early autumn to create this Puerh-like post-fermented tea.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGoishicha Steeping Recommendation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy tea pot, place 1 block of goishicha (about 3 grams) into a tea pot (350 cc) and steep with hot water for 4-5 minutes. You can also brew this tea in a kettle: 1 block, 2 liters (2.11 quarts) of water for 10 minutes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eProduct Info\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIngredients\u003c\/strong\u003e: Tea leaves\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest\u003c\/strong\u003e: Autumn\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRegion\u003c\/strong\u003e: Otoyo Town, Kochi Prefecture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Otoyo Town Goishicha Producer's Association","offers":[{"title":"10g \/ 0.35 oz (yunomi sample bag on demand)","offer_id":20590003525,"sku":"oty-goi-010","price":1200.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g \/ 3.5 oz (Original bag, may differ from photo)","offer_id":19340964357,"sku":"oty-goi-100","price":12000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/4578\/products\/goishicha-from-the-otoyo-town-goishicha-producers-association-521213.jpg?v=1773720279"},{"product_id":"goishicha-tea-from-farmer-nagao-kitamura","title":"#0502.K4 Goishicha Tea from farmer Nagao Kitamura 北村永夫の碁石茶","description":"\u003ch2\u003eSteeping Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTea\u003c\/strong\u003e: 2 grams (about 1 block)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater \u0026amp; Time\u003c\/strong\u003e: Boil 500 ml - 1 liter for 10 minutes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eProduct Info\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIngredients\u003c\/strong\u003e: Post fermented tea leaves\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFarmer and processer\u003c\/strong\u003e: Nagao Kitamura\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest\u003c\/strong\u003e: Summer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRegion\u003c\/strong\u003e: Otoyo Town, Kochi Prefecture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNotes\u003c\/strong\u003e: Post-fermented and made into bricks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Nagao Kitamura","offers":[{"title":"10g \/ 0.35 oz","offer_id":21317865541,"sku":"mys-goi-010","price":1300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"100g \/ 3.5 oz","offer_id":21317865605,"sku":"mys-goi-100","price":8000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/4578\/products\/goishicha-tea-from-farmer-nagao-kitamura-628061.jpg?v=1747003890"},{"product_id":"michikos-handpicked-sun-dried-awa-bancha-from-kamikatsu-village-tokushima","title":"Available in 2026 fall #0383.T2 Michiko's Handpicked, Sun-Dried Awa Bancha from Kamikatsu Village, Tokushima","description":"\u003cp\u003eAwa Bancha or awabancha from the village of Kamikatsu, Tokushima Prefecture, is a regional folk tea, and this micro batch has been made by the Mima family for over a century. Michiko and her daughter Yoshimi (see photo) continue their family tradition by producing just a few dozen kilograms every year. Their activity helps to preserve a centuries old tradition that developed largely independent of Japan's main tea industry centered in Kyoto.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003enote\u003c\/strong\u003e: the pricing incorporates extra shipping fees due to the bulkiness of this tea\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAwa bancha, a fermented tea tradition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAwa Bancha is made from large, mature leaves harvested in the hot and humid summer time. In this region, h\u003cspan\u003earvesting is often done with help from one's neighbours and locals from children to the elderly. It can be quite hot but a very fruitful time to gather and harvest together. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe tea leaves are picked by hand. This is the very beginning of traditional awabandcha making.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter sorting the tea leaves, they are boiled in a large pot for about 2 to 3 minutes, and then softened using a rolling machine.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe tea is then packed into large barrels, covered with Basho leaves, and weighed down with 100kg of weight to allow lactic acid fermentation (like turning milk into yogurt).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter 3-4 weeks, the leaves are removed from the barrels, they are then sun-dried for a day. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAwa bancha has a slightly sour taste, and we recommend steeping about 5 grams worth of tea in boiling water for 3-5 minutes depending on how strong you like it. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile bancha refers to the fact that these leaves are harvested late (in this case using the character for late 晩), the awa 阿波 is the old feudal province name for the region now called Tokushima Prefecture. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct Description\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIngredient\u003c\/strong\u003e: Green tea\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest\u003c\/strong\u003e: Late Summer (New harvest is available from September each year).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRegion\u003c\/strong\u003e: Kamikatsu Village, Tokushima\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Kamikatsu Bancha","offers":[{"title":"5g \/ 0.17 oz \/ August 2026 harvest","offer_id":41991983759465,"sku":"kamikatsu-005","price":400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"50g \/ 1.76 oz \/ August 2026 harvest","offer_id":5411478274089,"sku":"kamikatsu-050","price":2000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"250g \/ 8.8 oz \/ August 2026 harvest","offer_id":40370610471017,"sku":"kamikatsu-250","price":9000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"1kg \/ 2.2 lbs \/ August 2026 harvest (Ships in Nov)","offer_id":12669553475689,"sku":"kamikatsu-1kg","price":30000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/4578\/products\/michikos-handpicked-sun-dried-awa-bancha-from-kamikatsu-village-tokushima-863222.jpg?v=1765875532"},{"product_id":"mitocha-sun-dried-kamairicha-light-roast","title":"#0615.N3 Mitocha NR001: Sun-dried Kamairicha (Light Roast) 天日干し釜炒り茶(軽焙煎)","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eProduced using first flush spring leaves and the pan-fired (kamairi) method of processing, the leaves are rolled, dried in a greenhouse under the sunlight. The process is similar to Puer tea up to this point. It is then lightly roasted to finish the tea. A \u003ca title=\"Mitocha NR002: Sun-dried Kamairicha (Dark Roast) 天日干し釜炒り茶(重焙煎)\" href=\"https:\/\/yumenet.live\/products\/mitocha-sun-dried-kamairicha-dark-roast\" target=\"_blank\"\u003estrong-roasted version\u003c\/a\u003e is also available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis tea processing method is a folk tea called Kumano Bancha 熊野\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e晩茶 in the Kumano region of Wakayama Prefecture, which Mitocha is attempting to preserve. It was used to make rice porridge to be eaten with pickled vegetables and dried foods, and drunk as an every day tea. It also ages well according to the Mitocha.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e[製法] 一番茶の頃に摘んだ生葉を釜炒りして揉捻してからしっかり乾くようにハウスの中で天日干しして乾燥させます。ここまでは晒青緑茶と同じ工程です。そして飲む前に焙煎をします。軽焙煎はあっさりした仕上げに重焙煎は香りと甘みが引き立つ仕上げにしています。\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e[特徴] 和歌山熊野では晩茶とよばれて親しまれています。茶粥にしてお漬物や干物とあわせたり薬缶で淹れたりして気軽に飲み続けられている 日常のお茶、常茶です。熟成にも向いています。当園ではその製法を受け継ぐため師匠の元へ毎年通っています。\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSteeping Notes\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTea: 5g. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTime: 1 min. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWater: 90C\/195F, 200 ml. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eResteep 3 times. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSee yumenet.live\/steep for more info.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eProduct Info\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIngredients: Green tea\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHarvest: Late May\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCultivated without use of pesticides \/ synthetic fertilizers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRegion: Yamazoe Village, Nara\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Tea Farm Mitocha","offers":[{"title":"10g \/ 0.35 oz \/ May 2022","offer_id":40955822604393,"sku":"TFMNR001-010-y22","price":420.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"50g \/ 1.76 oz \/ May 2022","offer_id":39890620645481,"sku":"TFMNR001y22-050","price":1380.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"250g \/ 8.8 oz \/ May 2022","offer_id":42115871506537,"sku":"TFMNR001-250-y22","price":6000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"1kg \/ 2.2 lbs \/ May 2022","offer_id":39594090528873,"sku":"TFMNR001y22-1kg","price":20000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"10g \/ 0.35 oz \/ May 2024","offer_id":40955823259753,"sku":"TFMNR001-010-y24","price":420.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"50g \/ 1.76 oz \/ May 2024","offer_id":40491042504809,"sku":"TFMNR001-050-y24","price":1380.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"250g \/ 8.8 oz \/ May 2024","offer_id":40491173773417,"sku":"TFMNR001-250-y24","price":6000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"1kg \/ 2.2 lbs \/ May 2024","offer_id":42115870490729,"sku":"TFMNR001y22-1kg","price":20000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/4578\/products\/mitocha-nr001-sun-dried-kamairicha-light-roast-896777.jpg?v=1773719469"},{"product_id":"mitocha-sun-dried-kamairicha-dark-roast","title":"#0616.N3 Mitocha NR002: Sun-dried Kamairicha (Dark Roast) 天日干し釜炒り茶(重焙煎)","description":"\u003cp\u003eProduced using first flush spring leaves and the pan-fired (kamairi) method of processing, the leaves are rolled, dried in a greenhouse under the sunlight. The process is similar to Puer tea up to this point. It is then strongly roasted to finish the tea. A \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/yumenet.live\/products\/mitocha-sun-dried-kamairicha-light-roast\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Mitocha NR001: Sun-dried Kamairicha (Light Roast) 天日干し釜炒り茶(軽焙煎)\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003elight-roasted version\u003c\/a\u003e is also available here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tea processing method is a folk tea called Kumano Bancha 熊野\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e晩茶 in the Kumano region of Wakayama Prefecture, which Mitocha is attempting to preserve.. It was used to make rice porridge to be eaten with pickled vegetables and dried foods, and drunk as an every day tea. It also ages well according to the Mitocha.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[製法] 一番茶の頃に摘んだ生葉を釜炒りして揉捻してからしっかり乾くようにハウスの中で天日干しして乾燥させます。ここまでは晒青緑茶と同じ工程です。そして飲む前に焙煎をします。軽焙煎はあっさりした仕上げに重焙煎は香りと甘みが引き立つ仕上げにしています。\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[特徴] 和歌山熊野では晩茶とよばれて親しまれています。茶粥にしてお漬物や干物とあわせたり薬缶で淹れたりして気軽に飲み続けられている 日常のお茶、常茶です。熟成にも向いています。当園ではその製法を受け継ぐため師匠の元へ毎年通っています。\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSteeping Notes\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTea: 5g. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTime: 1 min. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWater: 90C\/195F, 200 ml. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eResteep 3 times. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSee yumenet.live\/steep for more info.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eProduct Info\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIngredients: Green tea\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHarvest: Late May\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCultivated without use of pesticides \/ synthetic fertilizers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRegion: Yamazoe Village, Nara\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Tea Farm Mitocha","offers":[{"title":"10g \/ 0.35 oz \/ May 2023","offer_id":39890623201385,"sku":"TFMNR002-010-y23","price":420.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"50g \/ 1.76 oz \/ May 2023","offer_id":39890623070313,"sku":"TFMNR002-050-y23","price":1380.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"10g \/ 0.35 oz \/ May 2024","offer_id":41913303433321,"sku":"TFMNR002-010-y24","price":420.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"50g \/ 1.76 oz \/ May 2024","offer_id":41913303466089,"sku":"TFMNR002-050-y24","price":1380.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"250g \/ 8.8 oz \/ May 2024","offer_id":40491172364393,"sku":"TFMNR002-250-y24","price":6000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"1kg \/ 2.2 lbs \/ May 2024 (May be packed in multiple smaller bags)","offer_id":39594090791017,"sku":"TFMNR002-1kg-y24","price":20000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/4578\/products\/image_febc192c-4931-4828-b544-bd90d89a6df9.heic?v=1773719356"},{"product_id":"osada-tea-organic-yamabuki-nadeshiko-kurokoji-fermented-tea","title":"#0569.S5 Osada Tea: Organic Yamabuki Nadeshiko, Kurokoji Fermented Tea 有機山吹撫子","description":"\u003cp\u003eYamabuki Nadeshiko is a new type of tea made by controlled microbial fermentation that produces (in Yunomi's opinion) a slightly sour tea liquor with a subtle strawberry flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKurokoji Fermentation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKawamura Denbei, known as the \"Father of Shizuoka Yeast\" and president of microbial research and development company Riversion, developed this tea based on his years of research into \u003cem\u003ekoji\u003c\/em\u003e molds (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Aspergillus_oryzae\" title=\"Aspergillus oryzae - koji molds used to make sake, soy sauce, miso\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003easpergillus oryzae\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e) used for making Japanese sake, soy sauce, and miso among other foods. The specific type of \u003cem\u003ekoji\u003c\/em\u003e used is black \u003cem\u003ekoji \u003c\/em\u003eor \u003cem\u003ekurokoji 黒麹, \u003c\/em\u003eand is most famous for making the bold flavors of awamori sake in Okinawa. Joint research with Shizuoka and Saga Universities revealed that tea processed with \u003cem\u003ekurokoji\u003c\/em\u003e creates two polyphenols, named Teadenol A and Teadenol B.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt Osada Tea's clean room facility, a patented \u003cem\u003ekurokoji\u003c\/em\u003e fermentation starter is mixed into leaves grown organically from the farmers of the Isagawa Tea Coop in Haruno Village (in the mountains of the famed Tenryu district of western Shizuoka). This differs from traditional Pu-erh tea which is naturally fermented (allowing the natural molds in the air to start fermentation in the leaves).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSteeping Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTea\u003c\/strong\u003e: 2g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTime\u003c\/strong\u003e: 2 minutes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater\u003c\/strong\u003e: 100C\/212F, 150 ml\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout Osada Tea\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"twocol\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Osada Natsumi, Osada Tea\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/4578\/files\/osada-natsumi_480x480.jpg?v=1633505215\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"twocol\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEstablished in 1948, Osada Tea is an award winning producer and wholesaler of Japanese tea, focusing on organic tea production, and working closely with the farmers of the Isagawa Tea Agriculture Cooperative in Haruno Village, Tenryu Region of Shizuoka.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4th generation tea master, Osada Natsumi, holds 8th-dan rank of tea appraisal, is registered as a Japanese Tea Instructor, and was Champion of the 58th National Tea Appraisal competition. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Osada Tea","offers":[{"title":"10g \/ 0.35 oz (non-certified organic Yunomi sample bag)","offer_id":39647058853993,"sku":"osdTP10-010","price":780.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"60g \/ 2.1 oz \/ JAS certified organic package","offer_id":39647054659689,"sku":"osdTP10-060","price":2700.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"250g \/ 8.8 oz \/ bulk bag","offer_id":39647087067241,"sku":"osdTP10-250","price":10000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"1kg \/ 2.2 lbs \/ bulk bag","offer_id":47852736479337,"sku":"osdTP10-1kg","price":33000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/4578\/products\/osada-tea-organic-yamabuki-nadeshiko-kurokoji-fermented-tea-254002.jpg?v=1773719728"},{"product_id":"ishizuchi-kurocha-fermented-dark-tea-from-ehime-prefecture","title":"#0602.E1 Ishizuchi Kurocha - Fermented Dark Tea from Ehime Prefecture","description":"\u003cp\u003eIshizuchi Kurocha is one of Japan’s rarest teas. A tradition of the village of Ishizuchi, Ehime Prefecture, it is currently being revived by the Satsukikai project \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResearch has shown that ishizuchi kurocha is rich in lactobacillus plantarum (post fermentation and before sundrying, 100,000 count per gram was measured).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSteeping Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe recommend steeping parameters are: 1.5g \/ 1-2 min \/ 95C (203F) \/ 300 ml.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMore traditionally, it is actually brewed: 1.5g \/ boil for 10 min in 1 liter of water.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFlavor\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tea has a hearty and warm flavor with brisk berry like notes. There is a lingering warm sweetness, reminiscent of dried plums, in the aftertaste. The mouthfeel is light, which together with the nuanced but still bright flavor make it a cozy yet refreshing drink. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHistory\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHistorical records do not show exactly when the tea was first grown and produced in the regions surround Mt. Ishizuchi, but the book \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHonchochokan\u003c\/em\u003e (\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e本朝食鑑\u003c\/span\u003e) in 1697 and \u003cem\u003eSaijoshi\u003c\/em\u003e (西條誌) in 1842 mention it as a regional tea. It was more widely produced for locals during up to the Taisho period (1911-25) but slowly died out during the Showa period (1926-1989) as changes to agriculture economy swept the region.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, this rare tea is made by the Ishizuchi Kurocha Satsukikai, a preservation society dedicated to maintaining the production of this folk tea. The society was established because in 1996, only 1 person was left who knew how to produce the tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow is Ishizuchi Kurocha Produced?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStep 1: In July each year, branches with mature leaves are harvested by hand\u003cbr\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/4578\/files\/ishizuchi-1_1024x1024.jpg?v=1701913328\" alt=\"Step 1: In July each year, branches with mature leaves are harvested by hand\" style=\"float: none; width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStep 2: Leaves are removed and washed thoroughly in flowing water. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/4578\/files\/ishizuchi-2_1024x1024.jpg?v=1701913328\" alt=\"Step 2: Leaves are removed and washed thoroughly in flowing water.\" style=\"float: none; width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStep 3: Leaves are steamed for about an hour \u003cbr\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/4578\/files\/ishizuchi-3_1024x1024.jpg?v=1701913328\" alt=\"Step 3: Leaves are steamed for about an hour\" style=\"float: none; width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStep 4: Leaves softend by steaming are packed into a barrel and left to ferment\u003cbr\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/4578\/files\/ishizuchi-4_1024x1024.jpg?v=1701913328\" alt=\"Step 4: Leaves softend by steaming are packed into a barrel and left to ferment\" style=\"float: none; width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStep 5: Removed from fermentation, you can see the mold that has formed on the leaves.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/4578\/files\/ishizuchi-5_1024x1024.webp?v=1701913328\" alt=\"Step 5: Removed from fermentation, you can see the mold that has formed on the leaves.\" style=\"float: none; width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStep 6: Fermented leaves are rolled by hand. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/4578\/files\/ishizuchi-6_1024x1024.jpg?v=1701913328\" alt=\"Step 6: Fermented leaves are rolled by hand.\" style=\"float: none; width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStep 7: Leaves stored in containers again for lacto fermentation \u003cbr\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/4578\/files\/ishizuchi-7_1024x1024.jpg?v=1701913328\" alt=\"Step 7: Leaves stored in containers again for lacto fermentation\" style=\"float: none; width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStep 8: Leaves are removed sundried for 2 days \u003cbr\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/4578\/files\/ishizuchi-8_1024x1024.jpg?v=1701913328\" alt=\"Step 8: Leaves are removed sundried for 2 days\" style=\"float: none; width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStep 9: Finished dried leaf after two months of processing from harvest! \u003cbr\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/4578\/files\/ishizuchi-9_1024x1024.jpg?v=1701913328\" alt=\"Step 9: Finished dried leaf after two months of processing from harvest!\" style=\"float: none; width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e","brand":"Satsukikai","offers":[{"title":"10g \/ 0.35 oz","offer_id":40937881337961,"sku":"EH001-010","price":1500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"100g \/ 3.5 oz","offer_id":40937881305193,"sku":"EH001-100","price":12000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/4578\/files\/8115e5f13076c19cacfa19fbda1caaec.jpg?v=1701913293"},{"product_id":"ishizuchi-kurocha-aged-3-years-fermented-dark-tea-from-ehime-prefecture","title":"#0601.E1 Ishizuchi Kurocha (Aged 3+ years) - Fermented Dark Tea from Ehime Prefecture - EH002","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIshizuchi Kurocha is one of Japan’s rarest teas. A tradition of the village of Ishizuchi, Ehime Prefecture, it is currently being revived by the Satsukikai project\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResearch has shown that ishizuchi kurocha is rich in lactobacillus plantarum (post fermentation and before sundrying, 100,000 count per gram was measured).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSteeping Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe recommend steeping parameters are: 1.5g \/ 1-2 min \/ 95C (203F) \/ 300 ml.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMore traditionally, it is actually brewed: 1.5g \/ boil for 10 min in 1 liter of water.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFlavor\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flavor is fresh and bright with notes of red berries. Compared to the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/yumenet.live\/collections\/japanese-dark-tea\/products\/ishizuchi-kurocha-fermented-dark-tea-from-ehime-prefecture\"\u003eIshizuchi Kurocha that has not been fermented for as long\u003c\/a\u003e, the flavor is more rounded and the sour berry notes are not as potent. The aftertaste is refreshing and very mildly sweet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHistory\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHistorical records do not show exactly when the tea was first grown and produced in the regions surround Mt. Ishizuchi, but the book \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHonchochokan\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e(\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e本朝食鑑\u003c\/span\u003e) in 1697 and\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eSaijoshi\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e(西條誌) in 1842 mention it as a regional tea. It was more widely produced for locals during up to the Taisho period (1911-25) but slowly died out during the Showa period (1926-1989) as changes to agriculture economy swept the region.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, this rare tea is made by the Ishizuchi Kurocha Satsukikai, a preservation society dedicated to maintaining the production of this folk tea. The society was established because in 1996, only 1 person was left who knew how to produce the tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow is Ishizuchi Kurocha Produced?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStep 1: In July each year, branches with mature leaves are harvested by hand\u003cbr\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/4578\/files\/ishizuchi-1_1024x1024.jpg?v=1701913328\" alt=\"Step 1: In July each year, branches with mature leaves are harvested by hand\" style=\"float: none; width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStep 2: Leaves are removed and washed thoroughly in flowing water. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/4578\/files\/ishizuchi-2_1024x1024.jpg?v=1701913328\" alt=\"Step 2: Leaves are removed and washed thoroughly in flowing water.\" style=\"float: none; width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStep 3: Leaves are steamed for about an hour \u003cbr\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/4578\/files\/ishizuchi-3_1024x1024.jpg?v=1701913328\" alt=\"Step 3: Leaves are steamed for about an hour\" style=\"float: none; width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStep 4: Leaves softend by steaming are packed into a barrel and left to ferment\u003cbr\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/4578\/files\/ishizuchi-4_1024x1024.jpg?v=1701913328\" alt=\"Step 4: Leaves softend by steaming are packed into a barrel and left to ferment\" style=\"float: none; width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStep 5: Removed from fermentation, you can see the mold that has formed on the leaves.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/4578\/files\/ishizuchi-5_1024x1024.webp?v=1701913328\" alt=\"Step 5: Removed from fermentation, you can see the mold that has formed on the leaves.\" style=\"float: none; width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStep 6: Fermented leaves are rolled by hand. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/4578\/files\/ishizuchi-6_1024x1024.jpg?v=1701913328\" alt=\"Step 6: Fermented leaves are rolled by hand.\" style=\"float: none; width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStep 7: Leaves stored in containers again for lacto fermentation \u003cbr\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/4578\/files\/ishizuchi-7_1024x1024.jpg?v=1701913328\" alt=\"Step 7: Leaves stored in containers again for lacto fermentation\" style=\"float: none; width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStep 8: Leaves are removed sundried for 2 days \u003cbr\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/4578\/files\/ishizuchi-8_1024x1024.jpg?v=1701913328\" alt=\"Step 8: Leaves are removed sundried for 2 days\" style=\"float: none; width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStep 9: Finished dried leaf after two months of processing from harvest! \u003cbr\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/4578\/files\/ishizuchi-9_1024x1024.jpg?v=1701913328\" alt=\"Step 9: Finished dried leaf after two months of processing from harvest!\" style=\"float: none; width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e","brand":"Satsukikai","offers":[{"title":"10g \/ 0.35 oz","offer_id":40937911484521,"sku":"EH002-010","price":3500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g \/ 3.5 oz","offer_id":40937911517289,"sku":"EH002-100","price":30000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/4578\/files\/8115e5f13076c19cacfa19fbda1caaec_5812aa17-e2c0-4e56-b06e-c3bf3bc66b3e.jpg?v=1701914411"},{"product_id":"aioi-awa-bancha","title":"Aioi Awa Bancha 相生阿波番茶","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThis Awa Bancha is a rare, traditional post-fermented tea from Tokushima Prefecture (Located in Shikoku Island). This tea was grown and processed in Aioi Village by fermenting late summer harvested mature tea leaves with lactic acid bacteria.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHarvesting\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves used for awa bancha tea are harvested in summer, July and August usually, by striping the leaves off a branch by hand as in the video below (from the local farmers cooperative that produces the tea).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/wnGgwnOkLjM\" height=\"480\" width=\"853\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e Slideshow of the various members of the cooperative: \u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/S8vSAXzuXRQ\" height=\"480\" width=\"853\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSteeping Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTea\u003c\/strong\u003e: 5 grams\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTime\u003c\/strong\u003e: 3-5 minutes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eWater\u003c\/b\u003e: 100C\/212F, 200-400 ml\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNotes: \u003c\/strong\u003eYou can also enjoy this tea cold in the summer time \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eProduct Info\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 1.4;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eName\u003c\/strong\u003e: Aioi Awa Bancha\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eJapanese name\u003c\/strong\u003e: 相生阿波番茶\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eIngredients\u003c\/b\u003e: Tea leaves\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest\u003c\/strong\u003e: July and August\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRegion: \u003c\/strong\u003eTokushima Prefecture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Yunomi.Tea","offers":[{"title":"10g \/ 0.35 oz","offer_id":41748012728425,"sku":"T2AA01-010","price":600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"100g \/ 3.5 oz","offer_id":41748012761193,"sku":"T2AA01-100","price":4000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"1kg \/ 2.2 lbs","offer_id":41748012793961,"sku":"T2AA01-1kg","price":28000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/4578\/files\/705F2A60-6221-4D03-BC73-65AFB7D29D4F.png?v=1723196006"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/4578\/collections\/Dark_Teas_banner.png?v=1761715537","url":"https:\/\/yumenet.live\/en-au\/collections\/japanese-dark-tea.oembed","provider":"yumenet.live","version":"1.0","type":"link"}