FKRO Organic Genmaicha Japanese Roasted Rice Green Tea

This genmaicha has a distinctive toasty, nutty flavor from the roasted rice that blends beautifully with the grassy green tea. The aroma is often described as popcorn-like—comforting and inviting. The taste is smooth and balanced with nice umami depth, and when brewed properly, there's no bitterness at all. It's earthy and full-bodied without being heavy.

Absolutely. First-time genmaicha drinkers consistently report enjoying this tea and finding it approachable. The package includes clear steeping instructions with taste profile notes, and it's forgiving to brew—ready in just a few minutes. That said, it's an acquired taste if you're used to fruity or floral teas. The roasted rice aroma (which some describe as 'burned rice') can be off-putting to a few people, but most find it comforting and unique.

This is labeled as low caffeine, and the roasted rice dilutes the caffeine content compared to pure green tea. Many people enjoy it as an afternoon or evening tea because it won't keep them up at night like a straight sencha would. It's a good middle ground if you want some gentle energy without the jitters.

The key is not to overbrew it or use too much tea. Stick to the recommended amount and steeping time. Some reviewers noted it can get bitter if you use too many leaves or let it steep too long, and it tends to become more bitter as it cools. Drink it while it's warm for the best, smoothest flavor.

Genmaicha enthusiasts specifically praise this blend for having a better balance between green tea leaves and roasted rice compared to other brands they've tried. The organic quality and freshness (it's flown from Japan monthly) really come through. The ratio gives you that notable roasted rice flavor and aroma without overwhelming the delicate green tea underneath.

Most customers report that the resealable zipper works well and keeps the tea fresh between uses. However, a couple of reviewers mentioned receiving bags where the zipper wasn't properly attached. It's not a widespread issue, but worth checking when you first open it. The packaging is designed to maintain freshness, which matters for preserving those delicate roasted and grassy flavors.