What ichibancha means
Ichibancha is picked in early to mid May from new shoots that have grown over the winter dormancy. These leaves carry the highest concentrations of L-theanine and the gentlest astringency, which is why the top tencha for koicha is almost always first harvest. Ippodo and Marukyu Koyamaen reserve their flagship blends for ichibancha leaf.
Also called
Ichibancha also appears as first flush, first harvest.