So, let's talk tea. I am a diehard fan of hot drinks, but fickle in my preferences. My morning cup of builder's tea is a given, but at work, I drink coffee. Apart from at teatime, when it's tea, or after about seven in the evening, when it's got to be herbal or I turn into the energizer bunny and am totally unable to sleep.
You can imagine what our beverage cupboard looks like, can't you? But there's always space for one more. And this one arrived as a christmas pressie from my sister-in-law (who understands and shares my fickle choices).
I hadn't come across teapigs before, but as soon as I peeked inside the box, I was smitten by the gorgeous little silken pyramids the tea comes swathed in. They call them 'tea temples' - I was already partly won over. But it was when I put the temple in the cup and poured on the water that I really fell in love.
See, the tea Tess had chosen for me was Popcorn Tea, or Genmaicha. And as soon as I smelt it, I was back in Japan. In the little traditional restaurant round the corner from my office where I would eat about 3 times a week. And drink their wonderful tea.
Genmaicha is green tea, mixed with toasted brown rice, which gives it a nutty smell and undertone. It's nickname, popcorn tea, comes about because during the toasting process, some of the rice grains pop and resemble popcorn. And like many good things, Genmaicha has a back story.
The legend goes that the tea was invented by accident when the servant of a samurai dropped rice into his master's tea. Infuriated by the contamination, the samurai killed the servant but drank the tea anyway, and was delighted by the unusual flavor. He honoured the servant by giving the tea his name, Genmai.
Nice story, but I have my doubts. Mostly because genmai also means brown rice, but hey, it's churlish to doubt a good story isn't it? The tea probably has its origins in frugal Japanese housewives, who added toasted rice to their tea supplies to stretch them, as rice is much cheaper than green tea.
And frugality is a factor, because the Genmaicha from Teapigs costs the earth. So I've been on the lookout for an alternative. I tried Dr Stuarts Genmaicha, but it's not made with tea leaves (more tea dust) and tastes too muddy. I was disappointed, because I love their Tranquility as my evening herbal tea.
And then I was at Daylesford with Monica and saw this.
But I can't tell you about the comparative taste yet, because I am finishing off the other stuff first. It looks promising though. And it'd look even better if I had one of those glass teapots I've been coveting.
Because tea-time really ought to be a bit of an occasion, neh? What's your tea ritual?
I am a tea monster, infact I too blogged about tea this morning. Popcorn tea sounds yum. I am envious.
Posted by: TheMadHouse | 31 January 2010 at 12:50
Ah ha, tea rituals, I am quite particular. A large warm pot, three every day tea bags (at the moment that would be Yorkshire Gold) plus one Earl Grey. Tea-ish with a hint of Bergamont. I mostly don't share this pot, although, and I know caffeine is not great for anyone let alone children, but my little nine year old also loves this brew with one lump x naughty naughty!
Posted by: lucy | 31 January 2010 at 14:23
I was looking for a gift of tea for a friend, and I accidentally discovered Zhena's Gypsy Tea "Chocolate Chai." It is caffeine free rooibos blended with spices and roasted carob. OMG it is so delightful!! Very chocolatey, and it is now my favorite 'dessert' tea.
Posted by: weedwacker | 31 January 2010 at 14:57
Oddly enough I am in the middle of planning a tea post myself. I have never tried your japanese rice-y tea but I like to dabble with different types too. I have been photographing my favourite tea cups... and I always like a nice tea cosy.
Having read this message I think I might be getting rather odd!
Cheers- enjoy your tea xx
Posted by: Louise | 31 January 2010 at 15:47
It looks interesting, certainly has a nice name. Hopefully it is a good one for you, let us know how it tastes.
Posted by: Jennifer | 31 January 2010 at 16:31
I'm the opposite to you Ali, because, although I always love the sound and thought of nice interesting teas, I always find myself just drinking good-old builders tea! Lucy x
Posted by: Lucy Locket-Pocket | 31 January 2010 at 17:20
I don't like tea or cofffee but popcorn tea sounds tempting! I like to drink my water ( or wine!) from a pretty glass though.
Posted by: French Knots | 31 January 2010 at 17:21
I do like the sound of popcorn tea. I drink builders tea mostly but do love a herbal tea before I go to bed too. What I love about herbal teas is that I refrain from dunking biscuits! Now when I have a cup of sweet and milky tea I just feel the need to dunk!!!
Posted by: Simone | 31 January 2010 at 17:56
I've never heard of popcorn tea before but reading your post makes me want to try it!
Posted by: Gina | 31 January 2010 at 18:18
The loose leaf is a bit more eco- you can't put those pouches in the compost as I think they're synthetic.
Pyramid bags are very common in Russia, and of course PG Tips make them as well!!
Posted by: Rattling On | 31 January 2010 at 18:20
I love the name "Teapigs" :-D
My tea ritual is builder's tea, one sugar, strong but with plenty of milk, in a big pint mug from Whittards. And not after about 6pm because I'm the same as you and can't sleep afterwards! Oh and no sugar if I'm at my Grandma's as she does not believe in sugar in tea.
Posted by: Heather | 31 January 2010 at 18:26
I love it! It's even funnier because I was just at a friend's house this afternoon and she had Tea Pig chamomile tea - I had never heard of them before and now, here you are with them on your blog. I am not a tea fan, having never drunk tea until a few years ago and even now I only like white or green tea and find black tea too strong!
Posted by: Di | 31 January 2010 at 18:41
Popcorn tea indeed! It's mainly Rooibos for me, with the occasional Lady Grey. I used to drink Twinings Breakfast tea all day long but I've become so wimpy in my old age I find it too string. What a fusspot I've become!
Posted by: dottycookie | 31 January 2010 at 19:31
I'm a coffee-in-the-morning girl, then come about 3pm, I'll have my first cup of tea. Has to be with skimmed milk, and Twinings English Breakfast tea. I'll drink tea until about 8.30pm then have recently discovered the joys of Ovaltine, which I disappear off up to bed with!
Popcorn tea sounds good... will keep my eye out for some!
Posted by: Dragonfly | 31 January 2010 at 21:10
Ah I fear that I do not have your sophisticated pallate, I have never been able to bear "fancy" teas. Plain old builders tea for me, I will tolerate Assam or English Breakfast and, for the same reasons you mention, after 7pm a cup of chamomile is as interesting as it gets. I have recently been introducing my children the joys of horlicks and ovaltine. Does that count?!!
Posted by: lina | 31 January 2010 at 21:12
I love teapigs tea as well-especially the chamomile flowers. I have to have strong builders tea first thing, followed by a second cup when I get to work, and then a couple of cappuccinos, and then onto the chamomile from 4pm onwards.
I haven't tried the Popcorn Teapig, but my brother rates it highly as well. There's a fab cafe in Cirencester that sells it by the bucket load, so I shall invest next time I pop over!
x
Posted by: Anna | 31 January 2010 at 21:13
It's funny, because I did look at that popcorn tea when I was in a cafe and thought good grief, that's the cost of your frugal mixed-with-rice tea?
I can't really talk about tea rituals, because to be truthful I don't even like the tea we buy, because Mr Coffee only drinks Earl Grey and after several years I have come to believe that it tastes like scented water.
Posted by: The Coffee Lady | 31 January 2010 at 21:43
Oh I used to drink toasty tea (as I call it!) a lot, then I ran out and it's fallen off my radar! Must track some down...It's yummy, isn't it?
Posted by: Pebbledash | 31 January 2010 at 21:51
I'm afraid I'm a serious builder's tea drinker too. I've tried to branch out, but I can't. I need it strong, with very little milk and I need it about 8 times a day. A x
Posted by: little pink room | 31 January 2010 at 22:37
I must admit, I prefer the frugal housewife story to the samurai one!
Posted by: Allison | 31 January 2010 at 22:42
I tracked down some of this tea the other day after you and Monica mentioned it. Haven't bought it yet but will and will also buy the other yummy one I found, pure ginger - mmmmmm! I have tea at breakfast - only Lady Grey, coffee mid morning - only vanilla flavoured and then another tea (always made by my husband) after the kids are finally in bed. I have very specific cups too - makes all the difference I think!
Posted by: Louise | 01 February 2010 at 03:24
wow, that looks good - the packaging alone is reason to buy it! I'm a dyed in the wool tea drinker but as yet unadventurous (english breakfast mostly) - will be looking to branch out a little now!
Posted by: Julie | 01 February 2010 at 10:54
i love tea. (after 7pm I love that wine variety of tea....)
but in our house we have all sorts of tea varieties and every time Nic goes to make me one he says.."haven't we got any normal tea"
and just the other day I was in my favourite tea shop T2 (https://secure.t2tea.com.au/flash/main.html) and saw a box of tea that simply said "normal tea"
they have so much to choose from.
yes the right cups, and the right leaf makes all the difference. I take tea with me when I travel...a little fussy!!
Posted by: Tiel | 01 February 2010 at 10:57
Sounds delicious. There's a teahouse in Glasgow called Tchai Ovna that serves Faerie Blood tea (green tea with raspberries, strawberries and rose) - although I drink it there, I've never bought some to have at home and now that I've recognised that fact, I'm wondering why on Earth I haven't...
Posted by: Laurie | 01 February 2010 at 11:27
That sounds like wonderful tea.
I prefer spiced tea especially in winter. I have it with milk though. I'm not much of a tea expert.
P.S. My 7 Days parcel arrived on my desk a couple of minutes ago - very exciting!
Posted by: mooncalf | 01 February 2010 at 11:28
I also find my shelves heaving with tea and other hot drinks of all kind - herbal, green, white, normal tea...the list goes on.
There is just so much out there to choose from! I agree that certain drinks are for certain times of the day. I'm definitely noting down the popcorn tea to buy in the future!
Posted by: Gracie | 01 February 2010 at 12:25
That sounds lovely. I'm still learning about tea. I tend to have black tea (with milk & sugar) or chai on the weekend mornings and green tea on the weekdays at work. But until noon as I have similar issues with caffeine. So anything in the afternoon/evening is decaf or herbal.
Now, I'll be on the look out for popcorn tea!
Posted by: Anna - Three Sneaky Bugs | 01 February 2010 at 12:26
I had a Bodum glass teapot for Christmas and it has improved my tea drinking experience no end. It has a built in infuser so you can stop the brewing process before it gets too strong and you don't end up sieving the bits of debris through your teeth.
Current favourite is Rose Pouchong - was gutted when Twinings stopped making it a few years back but have now found the Tea Palace in Covent Garden which is proving to be an excellent alternative source.
Posted by: Lynne | 01 February 2010 at 13:41
I love the name "Teapigs." And the idea of popcorn tea. Although I prefer coffee, I do think tea is much more fun with its endless varieties and fab accessories. Maybe I'll switch!
frances
Posted by: frances | 01 February 2010 at 14:58
I LOVE genmaicha! It's the first tea I've discovered as an adult that I really, really enjoy. I've tried a few (whose names I don't remember) but have stuck with Hime Genmai Cha Green Tea which is easily recognizable in a blue/purple and yellow box.
Posted by: April | 02 February 2010 at 02:20