Benifuuki Oolong
Sanbancha Pest.Free

Super Premium 97 P.

SKU
4513
Benifuuki oolong tea from the third harvest (sanbancha). Contains methylated catechins. Cultivated without pesticides. Sourced directly from the Pacific island of Tokunoshima in Kagoshima, Japan. 100g
 
Character Pleasant oolong characteristics: slightly floral, subtle roast aroma, mildly nutty, subtle astringency. Pleasantly sweet and refreshing.
Tea Garden Tokunoshima Seicha, Mr. Yuki Toyomura
Terroir Tokunoshima Island, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan
Harvest Third harvest (sanbancha), July 2023, a small percentage from the second harvest
Cultivar Benifuuki (100%)
Elevation 125m above sea level
Oxidation/Fermentation Oxidation stopped via gentle steaming
Steaming Short (asamushi, 35 seconds)
Shading none
Organic Cert. Cultivation without pesticides since 2015
Laboratory Tests Radioactivity (Region 11/2019)
Grade 97/100 p. (benifuuki category); Super Premium

 

 
€14.90
100g

Delivery : 1–3 business days

Incl. VAT, excl. Shipping

SKU
4513
€149.00 / 1kg
In stock

Tea Farm

Tokunoshima Seicha

This second-generation family-run business is led by Yuki Toyumura (豊村友樹), who is one of the leading producers of benifuuki in Japan. The tea farm is located on the picturesque and incredibly sunny island of Tokunoshima, and specialises in the cultivation of benifuuki tea. The 15 hectares dedicated to benifuuki comprise the largest single farm for this green tea variety in all of Kagoshima.

Character

Flavour

The seed variety Benifuuki is a cross of Camellia sinensis var. sinensis and var. assamica. It produces the largest amount of special bitter compounds (EGCG, ECG, mehtylated catechins) in the young leaves of the first harvest of all green tea varieties. In the late harvest, the tea still has a very high content of catechins. The extremely high solar radiation on the Pacific island of Tokunoshima, especially in summer, promotes this in a special way. By processing it into oolong, the otherwise strong bitterness is excellently integrated, while still retaining its high content of nutrients, as these are preserved during fermentation. The result is a wonderfully balanced oolong with light floral notes, a subtle roasted aroma and even slight sweetness. It is refreshing, alkaline and invigorating, with a subtle noble bitterness reminiscent of grapefruit.

Leaf

Very large leaves and stems, partially non-uniformly oxidised, not steamed, not rolled, very dry.

Cup

Elegant amber colour

BENIFUUKI

Benifuuki tea is a relatively new type of Japanese green tea that is appreciated for its nutritional richness. Of all green teas, benifuuki has the highest concentration of catechins (EGCG, ECG, methylated catechins EGCG3"Me / -4"Me). This tea is especially robust in flavour with a distinctly bitter aroma. Premium benifuuki have a balanced flavour despite the high concentration of bitter substances (catechins).

Laboratory Tests

We go to great lengths to identify the finest organic tea farms across the world’s most celebrated terroirs. All our teas are sourced directly from the farmer and, with a few exceptions, are certified organic or come from pesticide-free farms. Each batch of tea for every harvest is tested for pesticides and other pollutants in an independent German lab to ensure they meet our strict quality standards as well as HACCP food safety requirements. Likewise, all the regions of Japan from which we source our teas are tested for radioactivity for every harvest.

Yoshi En

Premium Organic Teas

Our comprehensive portfolio focuses on organic, single-origin teas sourced directly from renowned farms. We believe in creating partnerships with farmers who share our values and are committed to sustainable, responsible tea cultivation. Thanks to these strong relationships our exciting range is constantly growing and evolving. As an international team of dedicated and passionate tea experts, we are committed to preserving centuries-old tea culture while ensuring it remains relevant and continues to bring joy in the present. About Yoshi En.

Cultivation & Processing

The tea field is located in the fertile lands of southern Chiran in Kagoshima, Japan. The sun shines intensely over these coastal lowlands, thus encouraging the synthesis of bitter substances in the tea plants. The tea field has been certified organic since 1998 and utilises self-produced natural fertiliser that is fermented for 3 years and made from a nutritious combination of bamboo powder and mineral-rich stone. The fertile volcanic soil is further complemented by the ashes that are carried by the wind from the nearby active volcano, Mt. Sakurajima.

The tea farmer takes special pride in the use of older, traditional rolling and drying machinery that is made of bamboo rather than plastic. The bamboo components ensure the high quality of the tea during processing.

The benifuuki tea is steamed only briefly (according to the asamushi steaming method), in order to preserve the special, methylated catechins in the tea leaves.

Single Origin

This tea is exclusively sourced from the above mentioned tea farm in Chiran.

Sourced directly from the tea farmer.

Preparation

Brewing Guide

2 heaped tsp per 200-300ml (80-90°C) water. Steep for 2 minutes. Suitable for several infusions.

Packaging

High quality, airtight, resealable standing zipper pouch with 9 protective layers to preserve flavour and protect against oxidation and contamination.

Recommended Teapot

The ideal teapot for benifuuki is a black tokoname kyusu with a fine ceramic sieve. This style of teapot smoothes out the flavour of the bitter substances, and is a great all-rounder for green teas.

Recommended Storage

Ideally store in a quality tea caddy made from cherry tree bark (wooden, kabazaiku chazutsu) or an airtight, double-coated metal tin.

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