By A.C. Cargill

© 2010 A.C. Cargill photos and text – All rights reserved.
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The Subject: Genmaicha Tea from The English Tea Store.

Rating:

Water temperature: 180° F
Steeping time: 3 minutes

Tea type: Green (Japanese)
Scents, flavorings, etc.: Toasted rice kernels
Aroma, dry: Planty, grassy green tea aroma with toasty rice overtones
Aroma in the cup, plain: Planty, grassy green tea aroma with toasty rice overtones
Taste, plain: Planty, grassy green tea aroma with toasty rice overtones
Aroma in the cup, enhanced: N/A
Taste, enhanced: N/A

2nd Infusion: Lighter color, slightly cloudy, more toasted taste comes through, no bitterness

Chilled: Didn’t try

Comments:
This version of Gen Mai Cha (Japanese green tea with toasted rice) compares favorably with others we’ve tried. The tea leaf pieces are good size and about half of the bulk of the product is toasted rice (one piece was even “popped” like popcorn, as you can see in the photo above). Very typical for this tea.

This Genmaicha has that fresh, grassy flavor and aroma typical for this tea mix. It is well complemented by the toasty scent and aroma of the rice. It smells wonderful dry, while steeping, and in the cup. The “liquor” is a yellowish green and feels full in the mouth, with no hint of the spinachy, kelpy taste in some other Japanese green teas.

Hubby is so impressed with this tea that he’s thinking of making up a huge potful (or maybe even a coffee urn full) to have during the day. This is certainly a tea that you can drink all day, since the flavor is mild with no bitter aftertaste.

Disclaimer: This tea was provided by the company named. However, the rating of the tea and any opinions concerning it are always strictly objective.

Catch more great tea reviews over on A.C.’s blog, Little Yellow Teapot Tea Reviews.