Hida Barley Tea (Mugi-cha)
A clear, toasty aroma in every amber cup.
From cultivation to roasting and bagging, this is Nabeshima Meicha’s original barley tea, crafted with uncompromising care. Unlike the traditional selection and blending of Japanese green tea, this represents a new challenge we have embraced.By carefully sourcing the finest domestically grown barley and applying our signature sand-roasting method, we achieve a refined amber color and a rich, toasty flavor. As one of Nabeshima Meicha’s new signature products, it has earned high praise both in Japan and abroad.
The secret to our flavor
About Barley
Barley is a crop whose quality changes with each harvest. In the past, we relied on a single contracted farm, but poor weather sometimes made supply unstable. Today, our president personally selects the best domestically grown barley from across Japan. This careful sourcing ensures consistent quality, delivering the same unmistakable flavor of Nabeshima Meicha in every lot.
Traditional Roasting Method
The roasting process defines the taste and aroma of barley tea. At Nabeshima Meicha, we continue to uphold the “sand-roasting” method that has been passed down in Gifu for generations. Even today, when large-scale drum roasting has become the norm, we preserve this craft to carry forward the traditional flavor of Takayama and its food culture for the future.
The Sand-Roasting Method
In this method, barley is roasted together with heated sand and then cooled, a process repeated twice. The far-infrared heat penetrates to the core of each grain, ensuring it is thoroughly roasted without burning the surface. With this careful, time-intensive process, the tea retains a beautiful amber color when brewed and delivers a rich, toasty aroma in every cup.
Sand from Iwami Ginzan
At Nabeshima Meicha, we use a special sand sourced from the historic Iwami Ginzan silver mine in Japan, renowned for its heritage. This sand distributes heat evenly, allowing the barley to be gently roasted through to the core while minimizing scorching and suppressing unwanted bitterness. The result is a clear, toasty aroma and a brilliant amber color. Each cup reflects the care and tradition passed down through generations, making it a truly distinctive expression of Nabeshima Meicha.
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).
