We will be releasing "2023 Kamikatsu Awa Bancha," a rare lactic acid fermented tea that has been enjoyed in Tokushima Prefecture since ancient times.
Awa Bancha is grown in the mountainous areas of Tokushima Prefecture and is made from fully grown first-grade tea leaves, rather than bancha, which is made from the leftover tea leaves from the first and second-grade tea cultivars.
It is called "bancha" (late-harvested tea) because it is picked late. Unlike ordinary green tea, the tea leaves are boiled in a large pot, ground with a tea grinder, laid out in a barrel and soaked for one to two weeks for lactic acid fermentation, before being dried in the sun. It is a rare post-fermented tea in the world.
The production volume is not large because everything is done by hand using traditional methods. In March 2021, it was registered as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan for preserving ancient tea-making techniques.
Among them, tea made using tea leaves grown in Kamikatsu Town, Tokushima Prefecture (population: approx. 1,500) and processed within the town is called "Kamikatsu Awa Bancha." Compared to other Awa Bancha, the tea leaves are boiled for a shorter time, and it is loved for its refreshing aroma, taste, and color.
[Message from the owner]
"Kamikatsu Awa Bancha is the best-selling product at Awai Shoten, but as producers age, an increasing number of bancha farmers are giving up production, and the lack of successors is becoming an issue.
During this time, I hit it off with Mr. Takagi, chairman of the Kamikatsu Awa Bancha Association, and we became involved in launching the Kamikatsu Awa Bancha Ownership System. Starting in 2021, Awai Shoten will also be participating in Kamikatsu Awa Bancha production, and this year will be our third year.
Going forward, Awai Shoten will continue its sustainable activities of passing on the charms of Kamikatsu Awa Bancha to future generations through tea production."
Awai Shoten's Kamikatsu Awa Bancha is grown completely without pesticides and is not blended.
It has a well-balanced refreshing acidity and fragrant flavor, and is appealing with its elegant aroma and beautiful golden yellow color.
The 2023 evening tea has a mellow acidity and sweetness.
Because it contains little caffeine, it is easy for anyone to drink, from infants to pregnant women and the elderly, and is also recommended for improving constipation, reducing hay fever, and preventing diabetes.
We sell tea bags that are easy to extract, as well as large packs that contain a lot of tea.
[Product Overview]
Kamikatsu Awa Bancha 2023 Harvest New Tea Tea Bags
Contents: 40g
Price: 750 yen
Kamikatsu Awa Bancha 2023 Harvest New Tea Large Capacity (Tea Leaves)
Contents: 100g
Price: 1,600 yen
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