Popcorn Tea

Ingredients: Steamed Japanese Sencha green tea, toasted rice and plain popped rice.
Country of origin: Kagoshima Prefecture. Japan
Caffeine content: Low
Antioxidant Level: High
Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy-free, Sugar-free, No artificial colours or flavours
Prep: 0.5 - 1 teaspoon of tea. 80°C for 3-4 min

Description: A toasty blend of fire-toasted rice with speciality green tea. The fresh vegetative character of the green tea is imparted on the cup but it is tempered with the bakery-like character of the rice. There is a natural sweetness and almost chewy character to the finish of this tea. During the firing process, some of the rice will pop, not unlike popcorn, hence the 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, jumped 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 flavour was very unique and he enjoyed it tremendously. In honour 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)

Serving Suggestion: Liza likes the first brew of this tea steeped for 3 minutes and Steve prefers the second brew off the same leaves brewed for 4 minutes.
For iced drinks brew as for hot but use more tea leaves to make a more intense flavour.