Hida Barley Tea (Mugi-cha)
From cultivation on through to roasting and bagging, this tea is produced entirely in Takayama.
A page apart from traditional curation and blending of Japanese-style green tea, we are also pursuing innovation through our original barley tea, something unusual for a tea purveyor. We utilize Rokujo barley from Kokufu-cho in Hida Takayama, gently sand-roasting it to produce an aromatic flavor and amber color that has fast earned acclaim throughout Japan and the world as one of Nabeshimameicha’s new signature products
The secret to our flavor
About barley
Typically, barley is sown in spring and harvested in autumn. However, the “Fiber-Snow” barley used in Hida Barley Tea is sown in autumn and left to overwinter under the snow, then harvested in early summer. Growing under these harsh conditions results in larger grains with exceptional sweetness. This unique cultivation method is the source of the rich taste and flavor of Hida Barley Tea.
Partnership with contract farmers
The quality of Hida Barley Tea is rooted in the carefully cultivated barley grown by Mr. Tanaka, one of our trusted farmers. However, farmers often face challenges due to unfair pricing. At Nabeshimameicha, we ensure fair transactions by purchasing the high-quality barley from award-winning farmers, such as those who have received the Japan Agricultural Award, at a fair price and in predetermined quantities. Through this initiative, we believe we are also contributing to the preservation of Japan’s food culture.
Traditional roasting method
The “Sand-roasting method,” traditionally used by a store in Gifu Prefecture to roast barley tea, has been passed down to Nabeshimameicha along with its rich history. When this store closed, we inherited this precious technique. Despite the modern trend toward mass production, we continue to use the sand-roasting method to preserve Takayama’s food culture and the traditional flavors of Hida.
What is “Sand-roasting method”?
Our barley tea is roasted using the sand-roasting method. In this process, barley is roasted together with heated sand inside a drum-shaped machine. This process is repeated twice, with the barley being cooled in between. The far-infrared heat from the sand gradually penetrates the interior of the barley. This time-consuming and labor-intensive roasting method allows the barley to be thoroughly heated without burning the exterior, resulting in a beautifully amber-colored barley tea.
Caffeine-free, completely additive-free, allergen-free
Japanese barley tea, free of caffeine, has been loved by all ages, from young children to the elderly. While bottled barley tea is convenient and appealing, we want to continue to convey the importance of homemade barley tea without additives. This caffeine-free, completely additive-free, allergen-free beverage is a widely enjoyed Japanese tradition.
Natural sweetness
Hida Barley Tea is cherished for its natural sweetness and rich barley aroma. With just one sip, the nostalgic flavor spreads, and many have said it stands out from other barley teas. From small children to adults, everyone is captivated by its rich taste and aroma, making it hard to be satisfied with anything else once they’ve tried it. Hida Barley Tea is not just a beverage; it offers a special, heartwarming experience.
Thoughts on Hida Barley Tea
Nabeshimameicha Inc.
President
KAZUHIRO TANAKA
The best Barley Tea for everyone
Would you listen to my passion for Hida Barley Tea? When I first started experimenting with making barley tea, I discovered that the color of the tea depends on how much it is roasted. At that time, I had young children at home, and we often drank barley tea. I didn’t want my children drinking barley tea with a burnt taste. That’s why I began making our current amber-colored barley tea. Seeing my children drink Hida Barley Tea with delight, truly makes me happy. There were times when I felt that sticking to our own manufacturing was the only way to maintain our commitment to quality. Looking back, I am convinced that it was the right decision. It gives me great comfort to know that we can confidently deliver the best barley tea to everyone. And being able to hear feedback directly from our customers is truly gratifying.
From everyday moments to special occasions: A custom tea leaf guide
“Cold Barley Tea” is perfect for beating the summer heat. The distinctive, soft flavor of Hida Barley Tea is best enjoyed straight from the refrigerator, without adding ice. During the summer, it not only helps to cool down your body, but also acts like a sports drink when you add 1 to 2g of salt per liter, helping to prevent heatstroke. It’s also an excellent alternative to juice. However, since barley tea is made from grains and can spoil easily, we recommend making small batches that can be consumed within 1 to 2 days, rather than preparing large quantities in advance.
Enjoying Hida Barley Tea warm enhances its aroma, sweetness, and color, providing a comforting warmth to soothe your soul. “Warm Barley Tea” is especially recommended during the colder seasons, perfect for winter nights or chilly mornings, and is ideal for starting your day pleasantly. Additionally, try strong brewed barley tea with warm milk for a café au lait-style beverage. This new way of enjoying barley tea is definitely worth a try.
“White Sesame Barley Tea” was specially crafted at the request of a Taiwanese buyer, who sought a health tea. The smooth and rich flavor of white sesame blends beautifully with the refreshing taste of barley tea, roasted without burning. This creates a delightful and captivating drink. It pairs wonderfully with traditional Japanese sweets, so please enjoy them together.
Tea reflects the preferences of each individual. Enjoy the delight of experimenting with various combinations to discover your own personal favorite.
For specific questions or inquiries, please feel free to contact us.
The best way to enjoy Hida Barley Tea
Here we showcase one of the best ways to get the most out of Nabeshimameicha’s Hida Barley Tea (Mugi-cha).
