Started getting into Japanese culture about a year ago through anime (classic gateway, I know), but lately I've been reading more about traditional stuff like tea ceremonies and the whole茶道 (sadō) thing.
Always assumed Japanese tea was just green tea or matcha, but kept seeing genmaicha mentioned – apparently it's green tea mixed with roasted rice, which sounded a bit odd honestly. Finally decided to give it a proper go instead of just drinking whatever's at the Asian supermarket.
Got some organic stuff from Yame region at https://shop.ikkyu-tea.com/collections/genmaicha and honestly, that toasty, nutty flavour completely caught me off guard. Way different to regular sencha. Plus the smell when you brew it is brilliant – proper comforting.
Anyone else discover Japanese tea culture through learning about Japan? Feel like I've been missing out on a whole aspect of Japanese culture this entire time.
by Dankk911