The Japanese are known makers and masters of some of the finest green teas. Katagi Kouka En is a farm that’s been growing tea since 1970. Taka-san in Shiga, Japan, a 7th-generation farmer at Katagi Kouka En, takes pride in producing excellent and rare teas in a pesticide-free environment. Ensuring a pesticide-free environment includes hand-pulling weeds, mixing fallen leaves and other natural debris with soil to fertilize the land, as well as allowing bugs and natural life to run through the tea fields he works in. The results are astonishing, and produce rich, flavourful and chemical-free Japanese teas, including this Benifuuki black tea.

Benifuuki translates to “red riches and honour”. It was registered in 1993 by Japanese breeders and is made up of two cultivars - “Benihomare” and “Makura cd86”. It was created to be a disease resistant crop, and can be grown all over Japan.

Benifuuki is a pleasant and unique tea experience. You’ll find notes of sweet cocoa and fresh-baked banana bread on the nose, and a smooth, medium bodied, woody flavour, with a lingering chocolatey aftertaste.

Harvest Date
May 2021

Region
Shiga, Japan

Altitude
300-400m above sea level

Tea Master
Takatomo Katagi

Tasting Notes
Woody, Chocolate, Medium Bodied

Recommended Pairing
Camembert Cheese

Recommended Brewing Instructions
Steeping Vessel
Teapot

Leaf Quantity
1 teaspoon

Steeping Temperature
250ml at 95°C

Steeping Time
3-4 minutes