Country of Origin: Japan.
Region: Shizuoka.
Altitude: 1000 ft. above sea lavel.
Grade: Steamed Gyokuro.
Manufacture Type: Orthodox.
Cup Characteristics: Toasty and jammy notes leap from a cup that is also sprinkled with lightly vegetative flavor sprinkled throughout.
Infusion: Bright, emerald infusion.
Ingredients: Luxury organic green tea, Roasted rice.

Genmaicha is one of the world's most unique teas - just open the bag and you'll see why.  The tea is usually made using Japanese Sencha or Bancha grade teas - ours is a steamed Sencha - and is blended with roasted rice kernels making the tea look as though it has been mixed with popcorn.  The flavor of Genmaicha is light, with mild nutty overtones.  The tea should be brewed at a slightly higher temperature than most green teas in order to bring out this wonderfully mild flavor.  Genmaicha is an excellent palate cleanser and is perfect for drinking with Asian-themed meals. 

This quality has made it one of the most popular teas in Japan, the country where it originated.  Although the version we offer here is actually grown in China, it is produced to exacting Japanese standards.  As well it is grown organically; no pesticides or chemical fertilizers were used in its production.  Throughout the tea trade legends abound as to how the combination of tea and roasted rice was discovered.  The most popular of these centers around the household of a Samurai warlord in the 15th century. 

After arriving home from battle, the Samurai called for his manservant Genmai to bring him some freshly brewed tea in order that he might refresh himself.  Genmai quickly dropped what he was doing, which was taking stock of the house rice supply.  In his haste Genmai failed to realize that some rice had found its way into the folds of the sleeves of his robe.  As he rushed to prepare the tea, some grains of the rice fell into the tea pot.  His Master, filled with an unsatiated bloodlust after a fierce battle, yelled again for his tea.  Genmai had no choice but to bring him the pot that had the rice in it.  Unfortunately for poor Genmai his Master became furious when he discovered that he was not being served pure tea.  Moments later, the manservant's head was rolling across the floor - Samurai did not mince words.   

Killing is thirsty business and the Samurai decided he would drink the tea anyway.  Much to his surprise, the tea Genmai had prepared was the most delicious beverage he had ever had.  The Samurai dropped to his knees to repent for the killing of his servant and decided that henceforth he would call this new tea Genmaicha, -cha being the Japanese word for tea, in honor of his servant.  Fact?  Fiction?  Brew yourself or your customers a pot of this wonderful tea and let us know what you decide!

Hot tea brewing method: When preparing by the cup, this tea can be used repeatedly - about 2 times. The secret is to use water that is about 80°C. Place 1 teaspoon in your cup let the tea steep for about 3-5 minutes and then begin enjoying a cup of enchantment - do not remove the leaves from the cup. Once the water level is low - add more water, and so on and so on - until the flavor of the tea is exhausted. Look at the pattern of the leaves in the brew, not only do they foretell your fortune but you can see the bud and shoots presenting themselves, looking like they are about to be plucked.  Alternatively as with all top quality teas, scoop 2-4 teaspoons of tea into the teapot, pour in boiling water that has been freshly drawn (previously boiled water has lost most of its oxygen and therefore tends to be flat tasting), steep for 2-4 minutes (to taste), stir (virtually all the leaves will sink), pour into your cup but do not add milk or sugar since green tea is enjoyed ‘straight-up’. 

Iced tea-brewing method:  (to make 1 liter/quart):  Place 6 teaspoons of tea into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the leaves.  Add ice and top up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste. [A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to double the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water.]

Buy this tea - satisfaction guaranteed !