Genmaicha Chai

Description

A tea that blends the flavors of Japan and India together may seem a tad unlikely, but these two tea-loving countries have a long history of friendship, so it's a natural fit! Cultural exchange between Japan and India started sometime during the 6th Century when Indian Buddhism was brought to Japan by traveling monks. Although Japan's native religion was Shintoism, Buddhism gained a strong foothold in the country and helped forge a bond with India that has lasted for centuries.

One of the friendlier gestures between the two over the years was a gift of two Indian elephants to the Ueno zoo in central Tokyo. The elephants were sent to Japan in 1949 by Indian president Jawaharlal Nehru. The gift helped bring some levity to the lives of the Japanese who were still reeling after the effects of WWII. The elephants lived for many years in the zoo and were visited by millions. Following the war, India was also the co-signer of one of Japan's first post war peace treaties and helped usher in a new era of diplomatic relations. (Interestingly, if you visit Japan today, the influence of India can be found in any diner. Curry is as much a diner staple there as bacon and eggs are in the West!)

So you see, blending Genmaicha with Chai is not such an odd notion after all. Once you brew a pot for yourself you'll wonder why you questioned it at all. The tea blends the light character of Genmaicha with the exotic spiciness of chai. The resulting cup is the kind you want to gulp down as quickly as you can so you can have another. As you tip it back, your tongue is greeted by toasty notes of puffed rice punctuated by the hot sweetness of ginger, taste bud tempting cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, cloves and a long peppery finish. A fabulous cup deserving of its own bi-national tea anthem! Important: Turn your bag of Chai upside down a few times. The powdered spices can settle at the bottom of the bag during transit.

Steeping Instructions

PRODUCT TYPE: Loose - Green Tea

IDEAL BREWING TEMPERATURE: 85ºC/185ºF. For Food Safety reasons bring water to 100ºC/212ºF and let it cool down to 85ºC/185ºF.

ANTIOXIDANT BENEFIT: For a greater antioxidant benefit brew longer and use more tea.

FOOD SAFETY ADVISORY: We strongly recommend using filtered or freshly drawn cold water brought to a rolling boil when brewing all types of tea. Today's water has been known to carry viruses, parasites and bacteria. Boiling the water will kill these elements and reduce the potential incidence of water-borne illnesses.

Epic Iced Tea Instructions

Tea isn't just served hot!  Iced tea is one of the most refreshing and natural thirst quenchers around the world.  Here is our suggested method of brewing the best iced tea.

ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Pitcher): (To Make 1 Liter/Quart):

1. Place 6 slightly heaping teaspoons of loose tea or 6 tea bags into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 1¼ cups/315ml over the tea.
3. Steep for 5 minutes.
4. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water.
5. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the tea or removing the bags.
6. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
7. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase
8. the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water.

Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about.

ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Individual Serving):

1. Place 1 slightly heaping teaspoon of loose tea or 1 tea bag into a teapot for each serving required.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 6-7oz/170-200ml per serving over the tea.
3. Cover and let steep for 5 minutes.
4. Add hot tea to a 12oz/375ml acrylic glass filled with ice, straining the tea or removing the bags.
5. Not all of the tea will fit, allowing for approximately an additional ½ serving.
6. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted.

Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about.

HERB & FRUIT ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Pitcher): (To Make 1 Liter/Quart):

1. Place 12 slightly heaping teaspoons of herb & fruit blend or 6 tea bags into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 1¼ cups/315ml over the herb & fruit blend.
3. Steep for 5-10 minutes.
4. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water.
5. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the tea or removing the tea bags.
6. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
7. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced herb & fruit tea is to increase the strength of hot brew since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water.

HERB & FRUIT ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Individual Serving):

1. Place 2 slightly heaping teaspoons of herb & fruit blend or 1 tea bag into a teapot for each serving required.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 6-7oz/170-200ml per serving over the herb & fruit blend.
3. Cover and let steep for 5-10 minutes.
4. Add hot tea to a 12oz/375ml acrylic glass filled with ice, straining the tea or removing the bags.
5. Not all of the tea will fit, allowing for approximately an additional ½ serving. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
6. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed herb & fruit tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted.