Japan's Finest Fukamushi Mild Sencha Loose Leaf Green Tea - First Flush, Handcrafted by Japan's Top Award-Winning Tea Master, Unique Deep Steaming Method, Rich in Beta-Carotene & Vitamins, Made in Shizuoka, Japan (100g / 3.5oz)

I find this HOUJICHA Japanese tea so intriguing. It is an unusual flavor, just bear that in mind. I don't care for green teas typically, mainly because they cause headaches for me, even one glass of green tea usually affects me this way, so I was interested to read that this green tea is somewhat altered in its processing with the roasting they do, which makes it have less tannins in it, less caffeine, less bitterness. When you smell it, you immediately smell the roasted nature of it. Some people may not care for it, because it really has an earthy scent to it, very "Fall leaves-like," and that earthy nature carries over into the deeper flavor as well. I really appreciate this unique roasted green tea experience, because it is the first time I've ever been able to drink any sort of green tea without an immediate headache!! It is really fascinating to me too that this has only a 30 second "brew time!" That surprised me a great deal. Normally I drink herbal teas, and those I let steep about 10 minutes to get the maximum flavor out of the tea. I tried this one exactly as they said to do it in the directions- the 3 tsp loose tea to 6.76 fl oz of boiling water, let it steep for 30 seconds then strain the leaves out and consume. The flavor was strong and good after those 30 seconds! I'm a fan!!! I do need to try this with a bit of sweetener and cream as well and see how that combines because that might take the very earthy flavor down a notch.

I drink tea regularly, at least an average of once a day. I don't drink coffee, though, and I wasn't sure whether I would like tea that was roasted since I normally associate a roasted beverage with coffee. I was pleasantly surprised. This tea has a rich, lovely flavor. There's a little bitterness but not as much as is in a lot of teas. The roasted flavor is fairly strong but not overwhelming. It really adds a pleasant touch to the tea. The tea also looks to be good quality. The plant pieces are a little small, but I think some of that is due to the tea using young leaves. They don't seem to be broken pieces like you might find in second-rate teas.I was glad that this product, which is from Japan, has the USDA organic seal on it. Unfortunately, they do not follow that up with information on who certified it as organic that would be understood by most Americans. Instead of saying that the product is certified organic by... they have the JAS seal which shows that it was certified to pass Japan's organic standards. From what I have read, JAS certification is even more strict than USDA certification. I am very pleased with the quality of this tea either way.

The tea is well-packaged and labeled. It is Gluten, GMO free, organic and of course vegan and from Japan but certified USDA organic. You get a decent amount of the leaves and if this is your cup of tea, you will enjoy this. Strong but mellow taste and a decent price. The roasting carefully mellows this tea and gives it a nice deep flavor. While the packaging is well done, it could use a little extra language checking which always leaves me a little bit concerned. Pay attention to the shortish steeping time.

Listing: 《HOUJICHA/Refreshing》Japanese Organic Loose Leaf Green Tea Premium Houjicha - Masterfully Roasted Full Bodied Tea Low Caffeine Refreshing Hot Iced USDA Made In Japan (100g/3.5oz) (HOUJICHA(Refreshing))《HOUJICHA/Refreshing》Japanese Organic Loose Leaf Green Tea Premium Houjicha - Masterfully Roasted Full Bodied Tea Low Caffeine Refreshing Hot Iced USDA Made In Japan (100g/3.5oz) (HOUJICHA(Refreshing))I lived in Japan for several years, and there's nothing like a cup of Japanese tea to soothe the soul. This Houjicha is absolutely delightful. It's a large package of loose tea, so you can make it to your preference with respect to darkness. The tea leaves are perfectly dried and preserved, and make a wonderful cup of tea.Coincidentally, the day before this came up in my suggested items, my husband and I celebrated his birthday at a fine restaurant, which served us houjicha at the end of the meal. I hadn't thought about this tea in years, so what a surprise to encounter it twice in a week!Definitely recommend it for lovers of Japanese tea.

The image in the product description is accurate, that is what the tea looks like when brewed.It isn't green...not after being roasted.What an intriguing flavor profile. The use the word Umami, and that is also quite an accurate description.There is a delicate earthiness to it. I have tried it with brown sugar...which worked well with the depth of flavors being received.Then, to lighten it a bit, I added lemon and honey...wow. That's been the best combination...so far.You will need an infuser since this is loose tea...which I prefer. I brew it at the green heat setting, it comes out wonderful.I have tried many types of teas, one of the great aspects of tea...the variety.This ranks right up there with all of my favorites.If I am having pancakes...I am having this tea with them...seems to go together.Recommended!

This matcha is without a doubt ceremonial grade. It differs from others ceremonial grade matchas in that it's a bit more mild on the seaweed/grassy notes. However, it delivers fully in the umami, aroma, and color. It is a gorgeous vibrant green, and has an unmistakable smooth umami finish characteristic of high quality matcha.I think this is a great choice for regular matcha lovers to try something a bit different, or a very easy to drink first-time matcha experience. Really great quality matcha powder. It enjoyed this plain and mixed, but given the more mild flavor, I would recommend trying this matcha in a latte mixed to your taste.