Description
Genmai Cha, with bancha green tea and toasted and hulled rice kernels, is a Japanese with buttery, nutty tones. Sometimes called “popcorn tea” because the popped rice kernels. Sipping this tea conjures images of fragrant Japanese tea houses. With a toasty, velvety aroma—the taste is balanced.
Because it’s blended with rice, Genmai Cha has less caffeine. This tea and rice combination arose from a period in Japan when many couldn’t afford green tea. Rather, they drank roasted rice, or the “people’s tea“, or a blend of green tea and roasted rice. This practice evolved into what we now know as the nutty tasting green blend, Genmai Cha (or Genmaicha).
The roasted rice and green tea are good to drink with a meal or after dinner. The tea helps cleanse the palate. It has a grassy, vegetal taste, along with the toasty rice note. The rice flavor doesn’t overwhelm, but rather complements the tea flavor. This green tea and roasted rice blend is popular with the younger generation in Japan tea culture.
As with all Japanese teas, the first part of the name describes the tea, while the second part means tea. You might have guessed that “genmai” means brown rice and of course “cha” means tea. Enjoy the layers of flavor while drinking this delightful popped rice tea!
Lake Missoula Tea Company commits to direct-sourcing teas and botanicals from sustainable farms. First we choose organic ingredients, and then we create our blends in small batches. In short, we love to drink this stuff, and we’re proud to share with you the tastiest, freshest tea possible. Store away from light and oxygen, and your teas will keep for a good long time.
As far as green teas go, this one is delicious and unique. I’m not usually a green tea fan, but a cup of this tea is exactly what I need on sleepy mornings. We chose to serve this tea at our wedding because we like it so much! Take care not to steep it too long.
Hi Jennifer, Thank you for the kind review! Glad to hear you served Genmai Cha at your wedding. What a treat, LMTC