BENIFUUKI KOUCHA 50g

• style: Wakoucha - black tea
• cultivar: Benifuuki
• altitude: 300-400m
• caffeine amount: high

Precisely crafted Japanese black tea (koucha) from a natural garden in Shimizu, Shizuoka Prefecture.

The benifuuki cultivar was created by crossing an Indian tea plant variety from Darjeeling with the Japanese benihomare cultivar—the first black tea cultivar developed on Japanese soil. Its natural tendency towards oxidation makes it exceptionally well-suited for both black and oolong tea production. This cultivar gained the attention of Japanese tea enthusiasts worldwide also thanks to scientific studies linking benifuuki consumption with the suppression of seasonal allergies due to its elevated catechin content (EGCG and EGCG3). Green tea from benifuuki became a sensation, and we bring you its lesser-known yet all the more delicious facet: black tea koucha.

The infusion displays a pure, deep reddish-brown hue and a distinctive aroma that weaves together notes of citrus, flowers, and spice. The taste is delicately sweet to honeyed, with a silky sweetness that envelops the palate and lingers long, complemented by a noticeable umami and subtle astringency that adds a fresh, refreshing finish. The toasted aroma gently recalls the finest Keemun teas from China.

The sweetest koucha in our selection, evoking an evening by a warm fire while cold rain falls beyond the window. Its fruity aftertaste makes it the ideal companion to Western desserts—ideally with tartlets or buttery pastries.

Annual production of this tea is merely 200 kg—what you hold in your hands is true rarity.

Read about the turbulent history of koucha here

Shizuoka

Supplier: 

Mr. Morishita 

 Brewing

 Best in a kyusu teapot 

 100 ml / 2g         85 / 90°C       90 /  40 sec

For this koucha, I recommend using high-quality filtered water at a lower temperature than usual. This will accentuate the honeyed and sweet tones.

Packaged in 50g portions in Japan in original packaging to preserve maximum quality.