Inspired by the thread, "Another Question" and the discussion about
some some unfavored tea experiences. I thought I would share my
thoughts on the green tea samples I received with my IngenuiTea
infusion system.

First of all, this is my first attempt at reviewing a tea. Please,
forgive my neophyte status, and please understand these four green teas
represent my first experiences with loose leaf teas.

The four teas I received from Adagio a
Cocomint Green
Citron Green
Green Pekoe Blue
Genmai Cha Pop

I am enjoying both my new IngenuiTea and the teas except for the Genmai
Cha Pop, which I don't particularly like.

Cocomint Green
"Green tea from China with the delicate flavors of chocolate and mint.
Makes a light and refreshing drink that's popular both hot and iced. If
you are new to green tea, this lightly flavored tea may be a good place
to start."

The leaves are quite large and unfurl to an impressive volume. Steep
for 3 minutes, quiet white-green color. The initial aroma is a strong
chocolatey mint, though the flavor is more subtle. The mint flavor is
the most distinctive sensation on the palate, there is a subtle green
tea flavor as you swallow followed by a slightly grassy taste and a
minty finish that swells in the sinuses. I find this tea to be very
pleasurable and sweet. I do not add any honey or sweetener. Tastes good
through four infusions, each subsequent infusion I allow 10-15 seconds
of additional steep time.

The Cocomint Green is one of my favorites. I think of it as an
excellent after dinner or dessert type of tea. I would probably buy
this again, but it wouldn't be my main drinking tea.

Citron Green
"Green tea from China with the delicate flavors of lemon and lime. A
happy marriage of great taste and proven health benefits. Just the
right touch of citrus flavors to liven up the cup. Makes a light and
refreshing drink that's popular both hot and iced. If you are new to
green tea, this lightly flavored tea may be a good place to start."

The leaves are large and unfurl voluminously. Steep for 3 minutes,
light yellow green color. The light, nearly clear color is deceptive -
do not over steep. Aroma of green tea and very subtle citrus scent. A
full bodied, melodic flavor with texture that weighs and then dances on
the palate. A lemony flavor with a grassy green tea hint when
swallowed. A slightly acidic sting aftertaste, this tea is best with
half a teaspoon of honey. Maintains an even flavor after three
infusions. Can become very bitter if steeped too long.

I find the Citron Green to be a very drinkable tea that could become my
regular drinking tea if I wanted a flavored tea.

Green Pekoe Blues
"Green tea from the Fujian province of China. Green Pekoe (sometimes
referred to as Orange Pekoe) is famed as an everyday tea, and is among
the most popular teas consumed in China. Its thin, wavy leaves appear
almost black when dry. Once infused, however, our "Green Pekoe Blues"
reveals its true color. And produces a light cup with a smooth, mellow
taste and a gentle, soothing aroma."

These leaves appear very dry and much smaller. As they unfurl some
float to the top while others linger near the bottom, providing a more
even suspension. Completely unfurled they appear smaller and less
voluminous than other teas. Steep for 3 minutes. The tea is somewhat
forgiving in that a longer steep creates a stronger flavor without much
bitterness, but the ideal time is under 3 minutes. When poured it is
light in color - a pale yellow - but, oddly takes on a deeper
bluish-brown hue within seconds of being served. It is a medium-bodied
tea and deceptively flavorful with several unknown (to me) and
interesting flavors. Very little aftertaste and lacks the typical
grassy flavor. Four successful infusions allowing an extra 30 seconds
on the third and fourth infusion. This is a very forgiving tea that can
be drank unsweetened, or with honey or with lemon and honey.

I am glad for having tried Green Pekoe Blues and it may be many
people's every day choice, but I can't shake the feeling that it is a
very medium tea overall.

Genmai Cha Pop
"Green tea from Japan that is the "snap, crackle, pop" of teas. Genmai
Cha is an exotic Japanese recipe that combines popped rice and popcorn
with tender and delicate green tea leaves. First used by peasants as a
cost-saving measure, our "Genmai Cha Pop" tea is now equally popular
with modern urbanites. Both groups enjoy a refreshing cup that's both
sweet and nutty."

This may be for some people, but for me, its just wretched. The nutty
flavor is overwhelming and it tastes like drinking burnt popcorn. It
leaves an aftertaste like an unwanted house guest and for which there
seems to be no known cure.

On 21 Feb 2005 12:15:37 -0800
"elgoog" > wrote:

> Genmai Cha Pop
> "Green tea from Japan that is the "snap, crackle, pop" of teas. Genmai
> Cha is an exotic Japanese recipe that combines popped rice and popcorn
> with tender and delicate green tea leaves. First used by peasants as a
> cost-saving measure, our "Genmai Cha Pop" tea is now equally popular
> with modern urbanites. Both groups enjoy a refreshing cup that's both
> sweet and nutty."
>
> This may be for some people, but for me, its just wretched. The nutty
> flavor is overwhelming and it tastes like drinking burnt popcorn. It
> leaves an aftertaste like an unwanted house guest and for which there
> seems to be no known cure.


Probably an acquired taste.

A friend of mine spent a few years in japan. When he got there, his new
roommate said "Hey, you must be thirsty after that long flight, want some
apple juice?" and handed him a tall glass of iced mugicha.

Mugicha is made of roasted barley. Paul described it as "Like somebody
steeped an ash tray". His roommates made him clean up the mouthfull of
mugicha he spat out. It turned out this was their standard prank for
newcomers.

Three years later he was back in the states, and complaining about how
weak the mugicha is here.

There are enough different kinds of tea, though, there's no sense
drinking something that doesn't do it for you.