Bathing in Barley Tea: Mori No Yu turns food waste into wellness

Mori no Yu, a traditional hot spring resort, has announced its newest initiative – the Barley Tea Bath, to combat food waste. The unusual yet environmentally-friendly project, launched in collaboration with Nihon Seibaku, is set to run from July 1 to August 31.

Nihon Seibaku, an established player in the health food industry since 1895, hailing from Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture, is renowned for its active promotion of barley-based dietary solutions. With their assistance, Mori no Yu plans to capitalize on a summer tradition – barley tea – but with a twist. The tea used for these unique baths will primarily be sourced from tea packs deemed unfit for the market due to minor production flaws like insufficient volume or sealing defects.

The Barley Tea Bath offers more than an unconventional, relaxing spa experience. Subtly coupling the delights of traditional bathing practices with the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the project’s objectives are twofold. Firstly, it minimizes food loss by repurposing would-be discarded barley tea. Secondly, it serves to increase awareness and appreciation of local seasonal offerings, promoting sustainable consumption.

This creative endeavor isn’t merely an exploration of sustainability; it also offers potential beauty benefits. Soaking in the Barley Tea Bath may lead to skin enhancement due to the presence of beneficial elements in barley tea. Ingredients found in barley tea has the ability to prevent skin spots, and even strengthening collagen, a critical component for maintaining skin’s elasticity and health. Such qualities make this innovative bathing experience an appealing ally against the skin damage often caused by summer’s harsh ultraviolet rays.

Mori no Yu’s initiative strikes a delicate balance, aiming to reduce food waste while enhancing the wellbeing of its patrons. The resort invites everyone to experience this eco-friendly, health-boosting bathing experience this summer at their original bathhouse, housed within a ceramic bath facility. With operating hours from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, bathers are sure to have ample opportunity to enjoy this refreshing and fragrant new offering.