Genmaicha - Organic Green Loose Leaf Tea from Japan with Toasted Rice

Region - Organic Green Tea from Kagoshima, Japan Tasting Notes - Grassy, popped corn, roasted rice There are many stories traveling the world and internet about the origins of Genmaicha. Some people claim it was a drink invented by the Japanese lower class. They mixed popped rice in their tea to make it more affordable and last longer. Since Leaf & Bean is from New Orleans, we like to compare Genmaicha to Chicory Coffee. Chicory Coffee is coffee mixed with the chicory root and became popular during the civil war so that soldiers coffee rations would last longer. Another story talks about how a servant named Genmai was serving tea to his samurai master when a few pieces of popped rice fell from his sleeve into the samurais tea. The samurai pulled out his katana and brutally murdered the servant for it was a such a travesty to ruin such nice tea. When the samurai returned to his tea, he fell in love with the roasty tasting tea. He felt so bad for the killing he named the tea Genmaicha. Genmai (name of servant) and cha (japanese word for tea) If you want to taste a delicious version of poverty... or ferocious rage... genmaicha is a good place to start. ***3 grams for every 6-8 oz of water (2 tsp per mug)***180 F (boil water, let cool for 7 min)***Let steep for 2-3 min***Charles***There is no tea more unique in flavor than genmaicha. The added flavor of the popped rice blends with green tea in the best possible way. Plus you cannot deny how pretty the leaves look.***Nick***The stories behind this tea make me want to never help a samurai with anything. This is a good tea to drink while watching a movie... It taste a little bit like popcorn.***-->