Sencha Yuzu from Rishi Tea

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Green

Where to Buy:  Rishi Tea

Product Description:

A variety of citrus rarely found outside of Asia, yuzu is a classic ingredient in Japanese cuisine. Yuzu has a complex citrus flavor and floral aroma that pairs well with our refreshing blend of first flush green tea and matcha. We developed a unique drying process and blending technique that captures the fresh essence of yuzu without the use of added flavors. This entirely natural blend is refreshing and pleasantly sweet with citron flavor and offers an aroma of roses and geraniums.

Taster’s Review:

As you can see in the above picture, this tea won at the World Tea Expo in 2009 … and for good reason!  This tastes tea is superb!

At first glance, the tea looked like a Genmaicha with Matcha tea.  The pieces of Yuzu fruit resembled the popped rice, and the leaves were generously dusted with Matcha.  Upon closer inspection, it was evident that this is not a Genmaicha … a fact further emphasized by the beautiful fruity aroma.

The flavor is amazing.  The Japanese Sencha has a light, fresh taste.  Together with the Matcha, it is a sweet, only lightly vegetative taste.  There is no bitterness to this cup, and very little astringency.  It is a pleasure to sip.

The Yuzu offers a strong, sweet, citrus-y tangy taste to the cup.  It is so bright in flavor and I love the way the fruit and the tea come together in this cup.  Sweet, fresh-tasting, and alive with flavor!  This is awesomeness in a teacup!

This is delicious hot or cold.  The Matcha gives the tea a more opaque coloration and when left sitting a while the Matcha particles will settle to the bottom of your vessel, so if you choose to ice this tea (it is DELICIOUS iced!) I would recommend stirring (or shaking) before serving to redistribute the Matcha.