Zen Tea Genmaicha

 
Genmaicha is not really an uncommon sight for tea lovers but toasted brown rice paired with green tea can turn a few heads for those not accustomed to it.  It has a unique flavor similar to that of popcorn and has more of a savory flavor than most flavored teas.

Outsides:  As you can see, this is Sencha green tea with a TON of brown rice and puffed rice.  I brewed about a teaspoon in 8 oz of 80 degrees Celsius water for about 3 minutes.  The tea is a nice yellow green and smells like tasty popcorn.

Insides:  This is probably one of the better quality genmaichas I've had.  The tea has a nice subtle vegetative quality while not being too strong, and the popcorn rice adds just the right amount of nuttyness and roastiness.  As it cools down, the vegetative quality becomes more prominent but still keeps a good balance between flavors.  This isn't really made for iced tea so drink it warm.

Overall:  At the price it's at right now, this is cheap so get it at 50% off or try a sample.

My Rating:  Try it!

Zen Tea is a Canadian tea retailer that specializes in mid to high quality teas.

TasTEA Time! Yamamotoyama Genmai Cha Decaf

What:  The coolest name I've ever seen!  Also, green tea with brown rice kernels 

Where:  The company originated from Japan but the US branch is located in California

Why Should I Care:  I know most people are familiar with herbal tea and fruit tea, but tea flavored with rice?  It sounds weird to...a lot of people, but this is actually a fairly common type of tea (I've seen it in every online tea shop that sells a decent variety of Asian-style tea).  I really wanted to try this and have seen it at every Oriental Market I've been at.  This brand was relatively inexpensive (17 cents per bag) so I figured why not?

Packaging:  Individually paper/foil wrapped.

Non-taste senses:  It's slightly golder than your typical Japanese Green Tea.  The smell is strong.  I've heard that this has a similar taste to popcorn and I'd say it smells like it, but healthier.  If anything, I think it smells more like kasha or quinoa but nobody knows what those are (whole grains).

Taste:  The green tea portion is good.  Not great, but nice.  There's a nice nutty flavor to it that adds a bit of a savory taste to it.  I really like it.  I think that it would go great with winter meals or more heavily-spiced foods.  Despite the muskier, nuttier taste, sugar goes well with it although I don't know if it'd taste good iced.

Overall:  If you like green tea and want something different, try it.

My Rating:  Try it!  Here's the website.  I really want to try Hojiicha eventually.