Here is an interesting blend tea I’d like to introduce to you. This is a blend of Izumo bancha tea and perilla(red shiso).
Izumo bancha tea
Izumo is the name of the place in Shimane prefecture where is well-known for Izumo’s mythology and one of the most important shrines in Japan called Izumo-taisha . Izumo bancha literally means a local tea for the Izumo area. It is also called akachan-bancha, tea for babies, and is loved by babies to the elderly in Izumo area.
This tea is made from thick tea leaves and stems harvested in autumn having the summer sunshine, and is processed in the similar way to hojicha, roasted green tea. However, the leaves are not rolled after steaming while leaves are usually rolled in the process of making green tea or roasted green tea. You can see the unrolled tea leaves in the tea when you steep it. It's an impressive appearance and I feel the nature of Izumo in there.
Perilla (red shiso)
Akajiso (赤紫蘇) in Japanese, also called red shiso, purple shiso or perilla in the west, is a plant of mint family and is a quintessential herb for Japanese lives. It has lots of nutrients and good effects, and so it has supported Japanese cooking for a long time.
Read more about red shiso from here > What is Red Shiso (Perilla) and How to Enjoy it
How does it taste?
Izumo bancha has a mellow and gentle taste, compared to spring harvested green tea, as the thick autumn tea leaves contain less caffeine than fresh sprouts in spring. Also caffeine decreases with the roasting process. So, that is the reason why this tea is even loved by “babies”. Children and the elderly can enjoy it with peace of mind and you can enjoy it at night. By roasting process, a rich, nutty and slightly smoky taste is added.
Red shiso has a light taste with complex flavorseof vibrant, spicy, and tart notes as well as a fresh flavor from the mint family.
The flavor of red shiso matches the Izumo bancha, and it'll make you relaxed and refreshing.
How to steep it
Pour hot boiling water into a tea pot, and steep it for 2-3 minutes.
Use 5g tea leaves for 400ml hot boiling water.
How to enjoy it
After meals
Izumo bancha is often had after meals, and it makes you refresh after greasy dishes. Also red shiso helps your stomach healthy. So, this blend tea is suitable for after meals.
With your snacks
The flavor of this tea goes well with cheese, prunes and raisons. Relaxing time with a snack board will be perfect for you!
For chazuke
Chazuke (rice with green tea) is usually added some savory herbs such as spring onions, Japanese wild parsley, and green shiso leaves. However, if you use this tea, you can enjoy it with a nice flavor without adding any herbs.
Chazuke recipe from here Chazuke (Rice with Green Tea) Recipe
Iced tea
Serving as iced tea is a good option. It brings out the nice flavor, and tastes more refreshing. This blend tea contains less caffeine than usual green tea, black tea and coffee, so it would be good if you'd like to drink something cold a lot in a day. Adding a slice of lemon makes it look nice and add a summer feeling.
Steep the same way as the hot tea shown above, let it cool, and enjoy!
Today's recommendations
Tea in this article
Red Shiso Hojicha from Ocha no Sankoen, Shimane
Red shiso herbal tea
Ocha no Sankoen - Red Shiso from Shimane (2g tea bags)
Salt-pickled red shiso powder
Iijima Seitarou Shoten KN004: Yukari - Sundried, salt-pickled shiso leaves ゆかり
Article about traditional Japanese herbs and ingredients
What's Yomogi (Japanese mugwort)? The History as Food and Herbal Medicine
What's Kudzu powder and How to Enjoy It
What's Nigari and How to Use it in Your Life
