Organic Genmaicha Akaike (Organic Japanese Green Tea)

Cup Characteristics: Seasonal Japan green tea dappled with aromatic roasted ceremonial rice producing a toasty rich cup.
Ingredients: Luxury Organic green tea, Organic roasted rice.

Tea Story: 
This is a specialty Japanese green tea that is blended with fire-toasted rice. A premium grade Japan sencha is blended with the toasted rice. The fresh vegetative character of the green tea is imparted on the cup but it is tempered with the bakey-like character of the rice. There is a natural sweetness and almost chewy character to the finish of this tea. During the firing of the rice, it is not uncommon for rice to 'pop' not unlike popcorn, hence the pet name 'popcorn-tea'.

Legend has it that during the 1400's an important samurai warlord in Hakone on the Izu Peninsula of Honshu Island (the Izu Peninsula is near the Shizuoka area) was having tea in the morning discussing a battle strategy with his patrol leaders. A servant by the name of Genamai was serving hot tea to the group. Leaning over to give tea to the warlord, rice that he had surreptitiously taken for a morning snack fell out of his pocket into the steaming hot tea. Some popped upon hitting the hot tea. The warlord was incensed, jumping up brandishing his samurai sword he promptly cut of Genamai's head in one fell swoop. He then sat down to continue the meeting. Despite the fact that the tea had been tarnished he drank it anyway. The flavor was very unique and he enjoyed it tremendously. In honor of poor Genamai he pronounced that this rice and tea be served every morning and be called 'Genmaicha' (cha being the name of 'tea' in Japanese).

To make the perfect cup of Fairmont Tea: Bring freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil. Use 1 teaspoon of Genmaicha Akaike luxury loose tea or 1 tea bag of Genmaicha Akaike luxury tea for each 10 ounce/300 ml serving required. Pour the boiling water into the teapot. Cover and let steep for 3-7 minutes according to taste (the longer the steeping time the stronger the flavor). Do not add milk or sugar.

To make the perfect cup of Fairmont Iced Tea:  (to make 1 liter/quart):  Place 6 teaspoons of Genmaicha Akaike luxury loose tea or 6-8 tea bags of Genmaicha Akaike luxury tea into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the leaves. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish. It is not customary to sweeten this tea. [A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to double the strength of the hot brew since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water.]