Guricha

This steamed Japanese green tea is considered a type of tamaryokucha, somewhat resembling sencha, but somewhat rarer. It is differentiated first by the lack of a final kneading step, which leaves the leaves in their namesake curls rather than sencha's glossy needles. This particular rendition is made still more unique by its usage of the Benifuuki cultivar, a hybrid originally developed for use in black teas. Bold with a body of bitter melon, the result surprises with a soft note of guava and the cooling aftertaste of mint, for a provocative yet tasty experience.