I love watermelon, especially watermelon slush and especially in the summertime! So, when I saw Watermelon Houjicha by 52 Teas in my sample box I was psyched. I have never had a watermelon flavored tea before. I have, however, had houjicha before and I love it. Houjicha generally has a very warm and toasty flavor to it. It is a very comforting green tea. I was curious to see how that would work with watermelon flavor.
I’m not sure if I would say that the smell of the dry leaf or steeped liquid was “watermelon”. I think that what I could smell most was the houjicha, that toasty and comforting scent. When it comes to taste, though, wow on watermelon! I was actually wondering how the watermelon flavor would translate and if it would taste similar to a jolly rancher or lollipop. Actually, it wasn’t tart like candy at all! In fact, I would say that it was pretty realistic! I swear it tastes like I just took a bite out of a watermelon slice, seeds and all!
As if someone squeeze a watermelon over my teacup. . . . . . .
While the flavor was spot on and completely realistic, I don’t know if I would say that houjicha was a good base. I think I would prefer this tea if it was a nice sencha green tea as the base instead of houjicha. Either way, I will finish my sample in hopeful wait of hot summer days when I can sit outside by the pool and eat some watermelon slush! Until then, watermelon houjicha from 52 teas will be in my cup!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Green Tea
Where to Buy: 52Teas
Description
Tea Description: I’m not sure exactly what inspired me to combine the distinctive flavor of of Houjicha with the essence of watermelon except for, perhaps, hearing from customers that a) I don’t make enough flavored Houjichas and b) I don’t make enough watermelon flavored teas. So I guess I thought – why not combine them?
And really, why not? The warm, toasty flavor of the Houjicha may not seem like a natural pairing with the sweet, luscious notes of watermelon but I’m enjoying the flavor combination. It’s definitely toasty but the watermelon is there too and it has adds a light, refreshing sweet taste to the warmth of the Houjicha.
Definitely interesting and tasty!
organic ingredients: roasted green tea, amaranth petals and natural flavors.
