Yuzu Hōjicha (柚子ほうじ茶), 50 grams
Blend of cultivars, mixed with dried pieces of Nagasaki-grown yuzu peel
Tea farmer Tōzaka Koichi makes some of the smoothest hōjicha teas we have encountered yet, but he also masters the art of blending these smooth teas with locally (Nagasaki prefecture) grown citrus fruit. In the hot summer weather we have become incredibly fond of both Tōzaka’s Yuzu Hōjicha and Dadai Hōjicha blends.
Using dried peel from locally grown yuzu fruits, it creates a beautiful refreshing hōjicha that is delicious both brewed hot or cold.
Brewed hot, the Yuzu hōjicha is smooth and sweet. Think of spreading creamy lemon curd on a toasted scone. The tea is smooth, the aromatic oils of the yuzu linger in the mouth and there is no hint of astringency from the citrus peel.
A coldbrew of the Yuzu Hōjicha changes the character, turning it into a more refreshing, zestier thirst quencher. Less sweet than brewed warm, the coldbrew brings out some herbaceous and woody notes: sage and cypress wood from the hōjicha base are in equal balance with the refreshing yuzu.
Sip after sip the citrus oils slowly build and gently linger in the mouth leaving you with a delicious refreshing aftertaste.
