Springtime is Benifuuki time

It tastes good all year round - but especially in spring, when hay fever and allergies are in high season, Benifuuki is an insider tip!

The cultivar and its benefits

Benifuuki is a relatively newly developed tea cultivar in Japan with the scientific name Camellia Sinensis L.- Cultivar Benifuuki. It is considered frost resistant and also very disease resistant, making it particularly suitable for organic cultivation.The cultivar is famous for its uniquely high content of various catechins - flavonoids, which belong to the secondary plant substances. Of particular interest is the catechin epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and its special form, EGCG3, which is said to provide relief from allergies such as hay fever and neurodermatitis.

In order to understand the extremely positive effects of the tea, KEIKO is in dialogue with the Kagoshima Tea Research Institute and the Japanese scientist Mari Maeda-Yamamoto, who has been researching the beneficial properties of this unusual tea cultivar for many years (pictured with Markus Hastenpflug).

At KEIKO Biofarm, in collaboration with the Kagoshima Tea Research Institute, an individual processing and steaming method was developed specifically for the cultivar Benifuuki, which makes the richness of sensitive ingredients (especially EGCG3) available from the leaf in the best possible way and stabilizes them at the same time.

A unique taste
But Benifuuki tea is also very interesting in terms of taste: unlike the classic KEIKO teas, KEIKO Benifuuki is just slightly fermented after harvesting, which creates an oolong-like note. In addition to the characteristic tart flavor due to the high catechin content, it captivates with a wide spectrum of possible flavors, depending on when it is picked and how it is prepared.

From a light, exquisite bitter note reminiscent of artichokes, the characteristic floral aroma of Benifuuki unfolds. By choosing the plucking, the dosage, the water temperature, and the infusion time, you can serve a floral-scented, a bittersweet, or a full-bitter green tea with Benifuuki. Follow our tips to find the preparation that's right for you and pthe best possible flavor from this exciting tea!

A few tips for the preparation

Loose leaf tea

Aroma, active ingredients and the delicate floral fragrance unfold at a relatively hot infusion temperature of about 80°C and one teaspoon of tea leaves per 100 ml. The infusion time is 90 seconds. We recommend brewing 3 infusions. For a stronger tea you can increase the dosage or the infusion time, if you prefer it milder, reduce the infusion time a little.

Benifuuki is a particularly sensitive tea when it comes to the preparation - but it's worth experimenting, because the range of flavors depending on how it's brewed is amazing!

Powder
the Benifuuki powder can be whipped like a traditional Matcha in a tea bowl with a tea whisk (Chasen) or prepared with a milk frother or blender. To avoid bitter lumps, sift the powder beforehand or blend first with a small amount of water to form a creamy paste before adding the remaining water.

One strong or two light servings per day are recommended.

Because of the intense taste of Benifuuki powder, we recommend that you approach the dosage that is pleasant for you in terms of taste.

The powder can also be used very well in the kitchen, especially in desserts or simply as an ingredient in granola, smoothie and yogurt.
Tip: If desired, the Benifuuki gives off a lot of bitter substances when used in intensive doses, very hot water or long infusion times. If Benifuuki is too strong for you however, you can round off the taste of the tea with the very mild and slightly sweet tasting mulberry leaves or with mulberry leaf powder. In combination with Benifuuki, the mulberry leaves give a very pleasant, harmonious aroma and incidentally reduce the caffeine content of the tea.

So which Benifuuki is best for you?

Benifuuki No.1, from the 1st plucking, is particularly fragrant and has the highest content of L-theanine among the three pluckings, a high catechin content with medium caffeine content.

Benifuuki No.2, from the 2nd plucking is slightly more tart in taste, contains the most caffeine and has a particularly high content of EGCG and EGCG3.

Aki Benifuuki from the autumn picking is characterized mainly by the low caffeine content and yet high levels of EGCG and EGCG3. Aki Benifuuki is lighter in taste than the first two pickings.

The Benifuuki powder is a blend of the three pickings. In powdered form, you can absorb the active ingredients of the whole leaf and thus all the ingredients. Due to its intense aroma, the powder is very economical in use. Compared to matcha, even half the usual dosage produces a finely fragrant tea that foams particularly well. The powder is ground very finely and freshly on site on stone mills in Diepholz.

Tip: Leave the tea in the aroma protection package after opening and brush out the air when closing. The tea should be stored in a cool place - preferably in the refrigerator or freezer. After opening, the powder should be used within 4-6 weeks if possible.

Related products

Aki Benifuuki - Organic Japanese Green Tea

This Japanese green tea from the autumn picking is very tenderly fermented. It is made from the tea variety "Benifuuki". It is characterised by a high content of the special active ingredient epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG 3). The caffeine content of the autumn picking is comparatively low so that the tea is also suitable for the afternoon. The yellowish, clear cup has a milder aroma than the first two pickings with a gentle citrus note. The bitter constituents contained in the cup only become clearly apparent in taste when prepared strongly and infused for a long time. Storage In order to preserve the precious flavours and ingredients of the tea as best as possible, we recommend to seal the bag well and store it cool and dark - ideally in your refrigerator or freezer.

Content: 0.05 kg (€199.00* / 1 kg)

€9.95*

Benifuuki Info Brochure, English

Die Infobroschüre gibt Ihnen eine Übersicht über das KEIKO Benifuuki-Sortiment und die Zubereitung, sowie Infos zu den Inhaltsstoffen dieses spannenden Kultivars.Sprache: Englisch

€0.00*

Benifuuki Info Leaflet, German

Item No. 60013.1 This leaflet offers an overview of the KEIKO Benifuuki products and their preparation as well as info on the ingredients of this unique and interesting cultivar. Language: German

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Tip

Benifuuki No. 1 - Organic Japanese Green Tea

Unlike regular Green Tea this Japanese green tea specialty from the 1st picking in May is slightly fermented. It comes from the tea variety "Benifuuki" and has a very high content of the antioxidative or antiallergic catechines EGCg and 3MeEGCg (EGCg3). The scent and flavor of this years harvest, when all conditions are just right during the time of the Benifuuki Spring picking surprised even us. We are delighted by this new harvest: As soon as you open the package a wonderful smell streams out, characteristic for Benifuuki and a little like that of very fine Oolong tea. The leaf structure is good and of a luscious green. In the cup the tea develops a soft green color with golden reflexions and caresses the tongue with playfully fruity and light with a subtle tartness and the elegant notes of jasmine in the scent. Storage In order to preserve the precious flavours and ingredients of the tea as best as possible, we recommend to seal the bag well and store it cool and dark - ideally in your refrigerator or freezer. The production and also the fragrance are similar to that of Oolong tea. However, the freshly harvested leaves are not simply heated, but steamed briefly at especially high temperatures. Furthermore, the partial fermentation does not take place in a warm environment as with Oolong, but in the dark at a low temperature. Only the further drying and pressing process corresponds to that of Oolong tea. Thanks to this special processing this unusual tea stays green like a real Japanese tea!

Content: 0.05 kg (€259.00* / 1 kg)

€12.95*

Benifuuki No. 2 - Organic Japanese Green Tea

This Japanese green tea from the 2nd picking is very tenderly fermented. It is made from the tea variety "Benifuuki". This is characterized by a particularly high content of the special active ingredient epigallocatechin gallate 3 (EGCG 3), which reaches its peak similar to the caffeine content at the 2nd picking. The yellowish-green, clear cup has a slightly tart aroma with a floral note, which is particularly emphasized when the infusion time is shorter. The production and also the scent is similar to that of the Oolong tea. However, the freshly harvested leaves are not simply heated, but steamed for a short time while overheated. Furthermore, the partial fermentation does not take place in a warm environment as with Oolong, but in the dark at a low temperature! Only the further drying and pressing process corresponds to that of Oolong tea. Storage In order to preserve the precious flavours and ingredients of the tea as best as possible, we ask you to seal the bag well and store it cool and dark - ideally in your refrigerator or freezer.

Content: 0.05 kg (€219.00* / 1 kg)

€10.95*

Benifuuki Powder - Organic Japanese Tea Powder

The tea variety Benifuuki is characterised by a particularly high content of catechins (EGCG and EGCG3) which are readily available to the body and for this reason it is often drunk in Japan for allergies such as hay fever. For the first time we offer the tea variety Benifuuki not only as leaf tea, but also as a golden green powder, which we can grind very finely and freshly right on our stone mills here on site. One strong or two light portions per day are recommended. Due to its intensive aroma it is very economical in use. Already half the usual dosage results in a finely fragrant, particularly good foaming tea. Aficionados like to drink it pure. For those who find the taste too tart, we recommend a mild dosage, a combination with mild mulberry leaf powder or use as a supplement in drinks and food. Prepared with a little water and lemon and/or apple juice, it is, for example, a sparkling refreshing drink. Storage In order to preserve the precious flavours and ingredients of the powder in the best possible way, we recommend to seal the bag well and store it in a cool and dark place, ideally in your refridgerator or freezer.

Content: 0.05 kg (€399.00* / 1 kg)

€19.95*

Japanese Black Tea Kawanabe - Organic

This exceptional black tea is obtained from the Benifuuki variety and derives its name from the Kawanabe (Chiran) region in Kagoshima, where Shimodozono Biofarm is located. The variety gives the tea a fragrance reminiscent of vineyard peach and jasmine, while the tart flavours that characterize this variety as a green tea fade into the background due to fermentation. Unlike regular black tea, the fermentation time for this Japanese black tea is somewhat shorter. It enchants with a fine-scented, amber-coloured cup and striking, elegant taste.

Content: 0.05 kg (€255.00* / 1 kg)

€12.75*

Matcha Benifuuki Chai - Bio Grünteepulver mit Gewürzen

Create delicious green tea lattes - with green tea powder from the particularly catechin-rich green tea cultivar Benifuuki with aromatic chai spices and rounded off with naturally sweet mulberry leaves.Vegan, gluten-free, no added sugar and surprisingly rich: one pack is enough for up to 50 portions.PreparationMatcha Benifuuki Chai can be prepared with frothed, hot milk (we recommend oat or rice-almond drink!) or used in smoothies and shakes.To avoid lumps, we recommend first mixing the powder with a little water to form a thick paste and only then gradually adding the remaining liquid, or heating the milk and powder together in an electric milk frother and frothing.Tips for preparing delicious matcha lattes and more recipe ideas can be found here!

€13.95*

Available, delivery time: 1-3 working days (in Germany)

Benifuuki-2

mari-maeda-yamamoto2

Markus Hastenpflug mit Mari Maeda Yamamoto

Benifuuki-Blaetter