#0607.N4 Seikoen Tea Factory: Itoigawa Batabatacha Traditional Herbal Blend 古くから糸魚川に伝わる「バタバタ茶」

"Batabata​cha​​" (also known as "tatecha" or "furicha") ​is one of the local traditional banchas of Japan that has been historically enjoyed in the ​Itoigawa​ (Niigata prefecture) region ​for a long time. Batabatacha is a fermented tea that is said to have originated in the neighboring prefecture of Toyama Prefecture in the town of Asahimachi Birudan. Today, it is a very rare tea.

This batabatacha from Seikoen is a tea drinking tradition from the Itoigawa Town, made by boiling a blend of batabatacha, roasted soybeans, hojicha (roasted tea), and tea flowers. Then, adding a ​tiny bit ​of salt, and whipping​ the drink​ with a special chasen​, kind of like one would do to make matcha. ​​​​​(See video)

It is said that the unique name​, "batabata"​ comes from the sound of making ​this particular ​tea or the rushing hours of the morning​. In Japanese, "batabata" is one of the onomatopoeias that signifies commotion and ​when used as an adverb, can mean flapping, rattling or cluttering (noises). 

Note: The special bamboo batabata-cha chasen that is used to make this tea is available through Seikoen. 

Flavor Notes

Using more modern steeping parameters, the tea offers a toasty base flavor with a note of herbs and a strong buttery aftertaste.

Steeping Recomendation

• Tea: 5 grams
• Time: 3 minutes
• Water: Hot water (tasting notes above used 90C/195F degrees), 400 ml

Product Info

• Ingredients: kawara ketsumei (Chamaecrista nomame), roasted green tea (hojicha), roasted soybeans, tea flowers (camellia sinensis flowers)
• Region: Itoigawa, Niigata Prefecture

Vendor Info

• Name: Seikoen Tea Factory
• Type: Tea Finishing Factory based in Northern Japan
• President: Yoshiyuki Matsuki
• Location: Ichinomiya 4-1-6 Itoigawa, Niigata 941-0056, Japan