Haru Bancha Yamato P.Free

Special features in location, cultivation & processing

The Yamato Highlands in Nara Prefecture form a remote landscape of small villages scattered across the Nara basin. Surrounded by gentle mountains, the region provides ideal conditions for cultivating healthy tea plants. This pristine environment aligns perfectly with Mr Ken’ichi Ikawa’s minimalist and exceptionally pure approach to tea cultivation, practiced in complete harmony with nature.

Across 11 hectares, 30 tea fields are spread throughout the highlands, most of which are now under Mr Ikawa’s care. Many of these plots had lain fallow for decades after their original farmers retired, allowing the land to fully regenerate. Today, Mr Ikawa cultivates tea in a way that preserves the plants’ natural vitality, enabling them to flourish with minimal human intervention.

Brewing Guide

3 heaped teaspoons (approx. 7g) per 100–300ml water, 60 °C, steep for 2 minutes. This method yields a particularly gentle infusion that preserves valuable amino acids and vitamin C, while remaining mild in bitterness. Suitable for up to four further infusions, each with a steeping time of 10–30 seconds (we recommend increasing the temperature to 70–80 °C for subsequent infusions).

Alternatively, the following preparation methods may be used:
• 70 °C, 1.5 min: A balance of fresh and deep notes, intense, slightly bitter, brings out the catechins and caffeine (a balance of relaxing and revitalising)
• 80 °C, 1 min: Umami and sweetness in the background, deep grassy notes, pleasantly hot drinking temperature, moderate bitterness, emphasises the catechins and caffeine (invigorating)

Packaging

Packed in a high-quality, airtight flavour-preserving bag with a zipper and stand-up base. A special nine-layer coating ensures maximum protection against oxidation and contaminants.

Recommended Teapot

A Tokoname Kyusu is an ideal choice, as it brings out the key flavour components of green tea – its amino acids, chlorophyll and other valuable compounds – in perfect balance.

Recommended Tea Caddy

We recommend a high-quality tea caddy made from cherry bark (solid wood, Kabazaiku Chazutsu) or an elegant, handcrafted Kaikado metal tea caddy, especially to keep the tea fresh for a longer amount of time. As a more affordable alternative, an airtight tea caddy with an inner coating is also an excellent option.