Japanese green tea Kagoshima Genmaicha

A delicate green tea with popcorn flavours

There are many versions of roasted rice tea, but this organic example from southwest Japan really impressed us. We love its balance of fruity, minerally green tea and toasted nut / buttered popcorn flavours.

While China has a long history of scented teas, in Japan things tend to be more straightforward. One exception is Genmaicha, a 50/50 blend of green tea and roasted rice. While it's regarded as a delicacy today, Genmaicha's origins are fairly humble. Tea was expensive in ancient Japan, so poorer people would bulk their stock with rice to make it last longer. While we tried many examples, we were particularly impressed with this organic blend from Kyūshū. The green tea is from Kirishima, offering melon and mineral-like notes. This is blended with nutty, popcorn-like toasted rice from nearby Fujieda, giving the finished tea a uniquely satisfying balance of flavours.

Kyūshū is the most southwesterly of Japan's main islands. Characterised by its southern volcanic peaks, lush plains and pristine Pacific coastline, it's a stunning region. In the south of Kyūshū lies Kagoshima prefecture, centred around a deep bay and the active volcano Sakurajima. And within Kagoshima is Kirishima, where, on the mist-shrouded mountainside, some of the region's finest green teas are produced. Blessed by its subtropical warmth, mineral-rich earth and cool nighttime temperatures, Kirishima teas are famed for their complex flavours and aromas.

• TASTE:

Hot buttered popcorn, cut grass, pickled melon

• TEA TYPE

Green Tea

• Season

Second flush

• Taste Profile

Ripe melon, buttery popcorn,
pistachios and minerals

• Food Pairing

Sushi, tempura vegetables,
fish'n'chips, breakfasts

• Multi award winning

Obal 2021 award x 2
World Packaging awards 2021