Review: Organic Matcha Infused Genmaicha
The kind folks at Aiya recently shared a sample of their organic matcha infused genmaicha with me, and I found it to be a delightful blend that brings all of the characteristics I love about matcha and genmaicha, combined into one very fresh and drinkable cup. This tea comes highly recommended.
Aiya’s Description:
Matcha Infused Genmaicha is a traditional Japanese Sencha blended with toasted brown rice and premium Matcha green tea. The refreshing flavor of Sencha combined with the nutty flavor of toasted brown rice, plus the resilient color and mild sweetness of Matcha make this tea distinctly delightful.
Tasting Notes
Brewing Instructions
Steep 1 heaping teaspoon (3g) of Matcha infused Genmaicha for 1 minute in 1 cup (240 ml/8 oz) of hot water. (90°C/194°F)
My first experience with genmaicha is memorable, because the tea is so good. It took place in a sleepy little neighborhood sushi spot which offered a variety of teas on the menu. Our waitress served it as the house tea when I asked for a hot cup, and it was marvelous. I asked if I could buy some on the spot. She described it as toasted rice with green tea. I’ve loved this tea ever since for its lovely nutty flavor which imparts a full flavor and body to “regular” green tea.
Appearance
The leaves in the sample are a bright, grassy green from the matcha. The smell is fresh-cut grass, overlaid with the toasted, nutty flavor of the brown rice. The rice is practically unrecognizable with its coat of bright green matcha powder.
I was careful to steep the tea with water that isn’t too hot. A fresh green tea is very easy to accidentally cook, and a matcha-infused tea would be even more sensitive to high temperature. As the tea water goes in, the true colors emerge – emerald green tea leaves and the dark cream color to the toasted rice. It smells delicious at this point – the nutty aroma of the toasted rice and the fresh, grassy smell of the matcha is delicious.
Taste
Steeped at 30 seconds, the tea is a bright yellow green and slightly cloudy. The flavor is light and a bit watery, but still quite satisfying. The green tea doesn’t have any bitterness and there’s a lingering sweetness after the first sip.
After a minute, the flavor has developed quite nicely. The grassy sweet taste of the matcha and green tea combines very nicely with the nutty flavor of the toasted rice. It’s a very satisfying cup and my favorite tea so far from the folks at Aiya. I’d love to drink this tea again.
Where to Buy
Find more information about this tea at Aiya’s website. At the time of this post, an 85g tin is priced at $17.99.
