Genmaicha

I was expecting mostly green tea, but those little popped rice grains really come through in the smell before you even sip it. Steeping it at a lower temp keeps the green tea from going bitter, which I figured out after my first cup.

The toasted rice gives it this nutty, almost popcorn-like smell the second you open the bag, and the few popped grains floating on top are a nice touch. It's mellow enough to drink plain in the afternoon without any bitterness.

The roasted rice gives it this toasty, almost nutty aroma that fills the room the second the water hits the leaves, and I love spotting the few popped kernels floating around. It’s become my afternoon ritual when I want something lighter than coffee but more interesting than plain green tea.