Organic Genmaicha with Matcha Green Tea from Shi Zen

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Green

Where to Buy:  Shi Zen

Tea Description:

Genmaicha is one of the most popular teas in Japan. This Organic Genmaicha is coated with Matcha so when you infuse you will have a beautiful green color along with the pleasant nutty aroma. This tea is perfect to have with a meal or after meals.

Learn more about this tea here.

Taster’s Review:

This Organic Genmaicha with Matcha from Shi Zen is so lovely!  I love the flavor contrast between fresh, “leafy” green-y taste of the Sencha and the roasty-toasty goodness of the roasted brown rice, while the Matcha adds a creaminess and a depth of flavor to the cup.  It’s a delightful cuppa!

The picture above accurately depicts what I found when I opened the pouch of this tea – deep, bright jade green Matcha dusted over the tiny spears of Japanese Sencha tea leaves and the pieces of crisped brown rice.  It smelled toasty and warm, but there was also a distinct “freshness” to the aroma as well.

The first flavor I notice as I sip is the sweetness of the roasted brown rice.  It’s sweet and there is an almost ‘caramel-y’ note to it.  Just beneath the top note of brown rice, I notice the slightly vegetal notes of the Sencha, and this offers a somewhat bittersweet flavor in a sweet-yet-savory way.  It’s a little grassy tasting, but this is not a prominent flavor.  I find that the flavors of the Sencha are softened somewhat by the presence of the Matcha, which lends a certain creaminess to the cup and a buttery undertone.  It’s a very smooth tasting drink.

There is very little astringency.  That is to say that I notice relatively no astringency to this at all.  The finish is soft and clean and the aftertaste is lightly sweet.

I love that this tea is organic (as are the other loose leaf offerings from Shi Zen!)  I don’t know if I can actually taste a difference, but I feel better drinking an organic tea, and I appreciate that Shi Zen makes this a priority!