While this classic combination is not new in the wide world of tea, it may be new to your customers! By blending toasty, comforting Genmaicha with the fresh green grassy notes of our Matcha, you have a very approachable way to get green tea newbies to enjoy the benefits that Matcha has to offer.

For those who are new to these traditional Japanese green teas, let us break them down for you. Genmaicha is a blend of Bancha or Sencha, two classic Japan-grown steam-fired green teas known for varying notes of fresh spring green grass. The complexity depends on the leaf grade with Bancha being at the lower end (but still delicious) and sencha on the higher end of quality with more complex notes. (Adagio carries Sencha based Genmaicha) Rice which has been toasted is then blended into these green tea leaves. Historically, this was done to extend the tea supply in hard times but has become a fan favorite for tea drinkers worldwide. Sometimes the roasted rice will pop in a similar fashion to the way corn can become popcorn, and so may look like small pieces of popcorn in the tea. The roasted rice adds a mellow, toasty flavor that is comforting and warming, mellowing out the grassy notes of the tea leaves, thus making a very easy drink for consumers who want the benefits of green but might find the grassy notes a not-yet-acquired taste. (We always have hope!)

Matcha is a form of powdered tea that is made from green tea leaves. True Matcha is grown in Japan and made from shade grown leaves. The leaves are processed as green tea, but with the added step of removing the leaf veins and stems, leaving soft pliable leaf material to be ground into a very fine powder. This powder has a long, tasty history throughout Asia as a primary form of tea consumption. Lauded for its many health benefits and ease of use, Matcha has become as famous in the west as in the east. But once again, some consumers may want the health benefits of Matcha but might find the taste too grassy or that working with the fine powder is too difficult.

In Matcha Genmaicha these problems are solved! The toastiness of the Genmaicha and a light dusting of Matcha powder offer a light green cup with a tasty, comforting note that even a tea novice can enjoy with the ease of brewing any leaf tea. Just one teaspoon per cup, in 170 to 180-degree water for two to three minutes and you have a delicious cup to sooth your body and soul! Available now, by the pound for wholesale clients at AdagioXL.com. Add it to your next tea tasting menu and delight your fussiest customers!