Green Popcorn (Adagio Teas)

Devoted readers may remember my first tea review back on February 4th 2009. I reviewed a refreshing Genmaicha from Harney & Sons. At that time I noted a relative predisposition to drinking Genmaicha for its relaxing and fulfilling heartiness. This Popcorn Green Tea from Adagio Teas is an equally quality product.

Genmai cha has something special to it which made me fall in love from the first sip. It’s nutty and earthy with a thin liquor but thick feel. At once I find it relaxing and energizing.

Despite being called popcorn tea, this loose tea has no popcorn in it. Instead, the roasted brown rice kernels “pop” like popcorn and produce small flavorful fluffs which are included in the tea. The brew was initially developed to help peasants stretch out supplies of green tea during difficult periods.

The loose tea appears as a dark green shade grown bancha blended with toasted brown rice with some kernels popped. This leads to a very visually interesting tea.

The aroma is very nutty and earthy with hints of hay and grass but overtones of charred wood. I find it both inviting and relaxing to take in.

The liquor brews a light pea green withsome dusting from the rice and popped kernels as well as small bancha leaf particles making it through my infuser.

Flavorful and rich, this Genmai cha from Adagio Teas places itself as a relaxing presence on the tongue. I was instantly in a reading mood while drinking this tea. Some grassiness comes through in the finish but the more nuty earthy flavors persist through the next sip.

There’s no astringency with this Genmai cha. You’ll find it very easy to drink.

I can easily recommend this brew to everyone. Green tea fans and fans of Hojicha are most likely to find this a new favorite.