02The Popstar
Rare Single Estate Superior Genmaicha
Japanese Green Tea with Popped Brown Rice
Loose Leaf 100g / 3.5 oz = 25 - 30 servings
2-4 day delivery to USA & Canada
Free global shipping on orders $50+ USD
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- Sencha mixed with popped brown rice: The roasted rice kernels contribute to the nutty and aromatic fragrance while complementing the astringency of green tea. Crisp and vibrant with comforting warm notes of roasted rice.
- First harvest sencha only : Our genmaicha exclusively uses tea leaves from the highly coveted first harvest (instead of the usual second or third harvest).
- Both tea and rice are organically grown on the same farm in Shizuoka by the Shigeta family for 15 generations. It is extremely rare to find farms producing both on the same estate.
- Fun to make and easy to drink, our recommendation for new comers in the world of Japanese tea.
- Our favourite tea to drink as cold brew: rich, fun, and refreshing.
- Low in caffeine : Due to its mix of tea and rice kennels, The Popstar carries about half the amount of caffeine than Sencha does. It is one of the lowest level of caffeine of all Japanese tea, about 1/6 compared to coffee.
- Very limited single estate production : each box is hand packed and individually signed by the tea producer.
- Sustainable packaging : 100% plastic-free and fully compostable.
Rich. Fun. Positively Fresh.
Everything about this lively blend is fabulous. It features Sencha leaves (the same as The Evergreen) blended with toasted rice to produce a warm, comforting flavour. It is sometimes lovingly referred to as “popcorn tea”, due to the toasted rice grains which resemble kernels.
Both the tea leaves and the rice are both organically grown on the same estate by the Shigeta family – a rarity for Genmaicha production.
It is strong on umami, aroma, and sweetness, with little bitterness. This standout blend is fun to make and easy to drink. We actually enjoy this most in the summer as a cold brew! Rich, nutty aroma of roasted and puffed brown rice mixed the refreshing flavour of Sencha.
The taste is unlike any other and makes it a great introductory blend for newbies. In fact, years back it was the one that made us fall in love with tea -- which sparked our passion and inspired us to start this project.
We could go on and on about this blend… but in order to save time, we suggest you try it out for yourself. We hope this Popstar will become your "next big thing".
Specification
Origin
Origin
Grown in: Shizuoka, Japan
Produced by: Shigeta Family
Altitude: 450m
Tea cultivar: Yabukita
Type: Single Estate
Processing Method: Steamed (Japanese style)
Steamed process type and time: Asamushi - light steam for 21 seconds.
Rice Type : Milky Princess
Flavour
Flavour
Brown rice and Sencha blended half and half. The toasted aroma from the amber-roasted brown rice gives you a comforting feel as you pour hot water. Easy to handle as the tea doesn’t come out bitter, even with hot water.
Organically Grown
Organically Grown
Organically Grown (JAS organic certification): Pesticide, chemical fertiliser, additive and preservative free.
About organic certification: the raw tea (aracha) produced by the Shigeta family is JAS organic certified. However, as many farmers in Japan, they do not refine the tea themselves (process of removing dust, excessive stems and further reducing moisture). Even though, this doesn't change in any way the organic nature of the final material, the fact that the facility is not certified refrains the final product to be approved organic. The cost of purchasing their own equipment is out of reach, but we are exploring solutions to give this incredible tea the certification it deserves.
Health benefits
Health benefits
- Balances blood sugar, if you find yourself craving unhealthy foods or snacks, drink a cup of genmaicha to help control your cravings.
- Full of theanine, an amino acid that induces relaxation and lowers anxiety.
- Rich in antioxidants, which help protect you from molecules called free radicals, which are compounds that can damage cells and cause chronic disease.
- Helps reduce inflammation, boosts your immune system, and lowers cholesterol.
Sustainable Package
Sustainable Package
While offering a prefect protection to the tea leaves, our packaging is :
- 100% compostable (Box and Pouch)
- 100% plastic free
- Made with recycled and plant based marterial only
- Printed with soy and vegetal ink
Steeping Guide
Steeping Guide
Discover our steeping guide for genmaicha here.
But don't forget, your own perfect steeping way is yours to discover
With love from the Shigeta family.
A true passion for making the most delicious tea is what has been driving 15 generations of the Shigeta family. Seiji (14th generation) and his son Takuya (15th generation) are carrying on this incredible family legacy.
In the 1970's Seiji shifted back to organic farming – the amount of work this entails is tremendous. Instead of spreading pesticide and synthetic fertilizer like most farmers, Seiji and Takuya walk every row of their vast tea garden on a daily basis handpicking any potential harmful insect or herbs from the tea trees. The garden lives in perfect harmony with the surrounding fauna and flora. Their commitment has been rewarded by the JAS (Japan Agriculture Society) organic certification (officially recognised as equivalent to the USDA organic certification).
Every time we make the trip to visit them, we are treated like family. They cook the most delicious food, including incredible housemade Soba, and all gather to enjoy it with us. They are a family that treats others with so much love and heart, and their kindness shines through in their tea.
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