"Batabatacha" (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 soybeans, roasted green tea (hojicha), barley tea, 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
