Bancha facts for kids
| File:Shizuoka bancha.jpg | |
| Type: | Green |
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| Other names: | Common Tea |
| Origin: | Japan |
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| Quick description: | More widely available in the West. A late season crop, goes well with food. |
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Bancha (番茶) is a special kind of green tea from Japan. It's picked later in the year, usually between summer and autumn. This is after the first pick, which is used for a tea called shincha.
You can find Bancha in many different ways! Some types are roasted, while others are left unroasted. There are even kinds that are smoked, aged for a long time, or fermented. An example of a fermented Bancha is goishicha.
What is Bancha Tea?
Bancha tea comes from the same tea plants as sencha tea. However, Bancha leaves are picked later in the season. This makes Bancha a more common and affordable type of Japanese green tea. It is known for being one of the most widely available green teas in Japan.
Many Kinds of Bancha
Even though Bancha is a common tea, there are many different types. In fact, there are about 22 different grades or kinds of Bancha! Each type has its own special taste.
What Does Bancha Taste Like?
The flavor of Bancha can be quite varied. Some types might taste smoky, like roasted nuts, or even like fresh green grass. Other kinds might have an earthy taste, or remind you of wet leaves. Some Bancha teas even have a strong smell like straw. This wide range of flavors makes Bancha a unique tea to explore!
