What is Bancha green tea?
Bancha tea is unique in that it comes from the year's final tea harvest, which takes place in October. This late harvest affects the size of the leaves, which are larger because they are more mature. They are also darker, being older. These characteristics shape the taste of Bancha tea, which gives off a woody, grassy aroma of organic straw.
The everyday and frequent use of this tea may have contributed to its name, as Bancha means "common" or "ordinary" in Japanese. Note that it is not only drunk across the archipelago, but is also used to prepare broths for cooking rice or making certain vegetable and fish dishes.
What is the difference between Sencha tea and Bancha tea?
In reality, it comes from the same tea plant as Sencha tea; it is simply harvested at a different time. While Sencha green tea is harvested during optimal periods depending on climate and weather—from early spring to late summer across the Japanese islands—Bancha tea leaves come from the final harvest of the year in October. Picked later, it is considered lower in quality. This makes it inexpensive and explains why it is so widely enjoyed.
What are the health benefits of Bancha green tea?
A natural stress reliever thanks to the presence of theanine, and rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamin C, Bancha green tea is renowned for its multiple benefits for health and the body. Its high polyphenol (or catechin) content is said to help strengthen the immune system, combat ageing and free radical damage, whilst supporting weight loss.
Be mindful, however, of the health claims made regarding green tea and weight loss. Combined with a rich, balanced diet and regular physical activity, green tea supports elimination thanks to the numerous antioxidants (catechins) it contains. However, it cannot make you lose weight on its own.
What makes Bancha green tea special? Its low caffeine content, which makes it suitable for younger people and those sensitive to caffeine. It can therefore easily be enjoyed in the evening and late afternoon. Containing half the caffeine of Gyokuro or Sencha, it is also a great alternative for anyone looking to reduce their caffeine intake.
Another special feature is its beneficial effect on digestion. Indeed, thanks to its high tannin content, Bancha green tea is said to aid transit and make an excellent ally after a rich meal.
To find out more: discover the benefits of green tea.
How to brew Bancha tea to make the most of its benefits?
Unlike matcha tea (which involves whisking tea powder into a froth), Bancha tea is enjoyed traditionally by infusing tea leaves. The water should never be boiling, but simmering, to preserve the quality of the leaves.
For a perfect cup of Bancha tea, infuse for 30 seconds to 2 minutes in water heated to 70°C. Be careful not to steep it for too long, as the tea may develop a metallic or bitter taste.
In summer, we recommend preparing it as iced tea. Infuse three teaspoons of Bancha tea in half a litre of simmering water (heated to 70°C). Leave to infuse for two minutes before straining. Pour the brewed tea into a jug filled with ice cubes, and add lemon slices, peach slices, or mint leaves (according to your taste). Serve and enjoy!
For quality tea, choose organic Bancha
Kusmi recommends choosing an organic Bancha green tea. Indeed, the organic label is a mark of quality that guarantees rigorous checks on tea leaves throughout production and crafting. Moreover, organic green tea gives you peace of mind regarding pesticides or chemical substances, as it complies with strict standards set by the European Union. Kusmi Tea organic teas and herbal teas are certified AB and Ecocert. Our packaging is also designed with recycling and waste reduction in mind. That is why we encourage you to choose organic loose-leaf Bancha tea, packaged in infinitely recyclable metal tins.
Our reviews on Bancha tea
Bancha green tea immerses you directly in Japanese culture, as it is an integral part of everyday life in Japan. As the second most consumed tea after Sencha in Japan, Bancha is ideal as an after-meal tea because it aids digestion! More affordable than Sencha or Matcha, it is no less interesting on the palate. An everyday tea that will easily find its place among your daily drinks.