Bancha is used as a base for so many different teas. We see it in stuff Frank over at 52teas makes. We see it in most bagged green teas. We even see it in iced green teas and as a base for blended greens like Genmaicha. This Bancha from Harney & Sons is a nice quality brew.
The thick gritty looking green leaves put off a nice grassy smell. The flavor is a bit more astringent than I expected, but contains notes of collard greens, steamed brussels sprouts and a vegetal smoothness similar to artichoke.
I recommend this tea to fans of any Japanese green tea, be it Genmaicha, Hojicha or Spring Rose tea. Fans of the more shade grown teas from Japan such as Gyokuro or other Fukamushi style teas may find this tea hit or miss.
Tea-Guy- are you talking for 52teas’ flavored green blends? That’s actually Chinese Sencha.
Senchas in general are also used in a great many blends. But I do believe I have a 52teas blend of two with the Bancha in it. I’ll need to make a run back through my stash to be certain.