This Genmaicha is an aromatic combination of organic first flush sencha from Yakushima, with the nutty aroma of roasted kernels of organic brown rice from Kumamoto prefecture. This deliciously savoury tea is comforting and soothing that can be consumed at any time of day.
This is an exceptional representation of Genmaicha and we hope to change your perspective of this tea that traditionally was considered a poor man’s tea produced using lower graded bancha leaves.
Origin: Yakushima Island, Kagoshima prefecture, Japan
Flavour profile: Savoury | Nutty | Grassy
Processing highlights: The organic rice is produced in the Kumamoto prefecture and roasted at the Hachimanjyu tea factory.
Harvest: Spring 2022
Cultivar: Yabukita
Tea Master: Watanabe family
Yakushima is located in the southernmost part of Japan. It benefits from a warm geographical location and high rainfall. It produces Japan’s earliest high-quality shincha. Located in the Kagoshima prefecture, 90% of the island is covered in forest and in 1993 approximately 21% of the island was declared a UNESCO world heritage site.
Elevation: 80-100m
The toasted rice leaves a savoury coating to the mouth that is well balanced against the delicate sweetness of the sencha leaving a lingering nutty flavour. The first flush sencha makes for a refreshing infusion.
Genmaicha pairs well with seafood, chicken, light vegetables, noodle and rice dishes. The savoury flavour combines well with Japanese cuisine.
Try using it as a meat free stock in a soup or as a pair with a hot smoked salmon Niçoise salad. As a sweet pairing try black sesame chocolate banana bread.
Leaf appearance: Brilliant dark leaves with roasted grains of brown rice.
Aroma: Genmaicha gives a strong bouquet of toasted rice, fresh cut grass and ocean air.
Liquor colour: Intense yellow-green
