Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Green
Where to Buy: Two Leaves and a Bud
Product Description:
A Japanese tea-master created a Hojicha for two leaves and a bud like we’ve never tasted before – naturally sweet, young stems of the tea plant yield a smooth, round, almost textural feel in the mouth. It is medium-bodied with a complex but approachable flavor.
Taster’s Review:
I simply love Hojicha tea – I love the roasty-toasty flavor, the hint of smokiness, and the smooth flavor and texture of it. But what I love most about Hojicha is that sweetness that comes from it. It has a natural sweetness to it that is almost like honey – a note that is further enhanced by the smooth mouthfeel. It’s a little like sipping on a thin honey.
This Hojicha from Two Leaves and a Bud is really delightful. Actually, I am thinking that this is more like a blend of roasted Kukicha and Hojicha, because mostly what I see in this blend are stems and twigs, with a few roasted tea leaves in the mix. But, since I love both Kukicha and Hojicha, this tea combines two great tastes that taste great together! (um… that sort of sounds like a commercial for a candy bar, doesn’t it?)
I love Hojicha served hot or iced. Hot, it is quite good served neat and clean with no additions (although it is very nicely paired with some of these crackers from O Pair), and iced, it is positively refreshing with a squeeze of lemon!
This Hojicha is divine – It is sweet and savory at the same time. For those out there who resist green teas because they don’t like that grassy taste – try Hojicha. The roasting of the tea leaves and stems removes the vegetative taste that is often associated with green tea, and replaces it with a lovely caramelized quality. Delicious!
