Harney & Sons Genmaicha Tea

Genmaicha has a distinctive nutty, toasted rice flavor that blends beautifully with green tea. This Harney & Sons version gets praised for its perfect balance—you get that signature toasted, earthy character from the roasted rice alongside bright, slightly floral green tea notes. It's comforting and unique without being overpowering.

Absolutely. This is actually an ideal introduction to genmaicha. The flavor profile is approachable and not intimidating—the toasted rice adds a pleasant nuttiness that makes it less grassy than pure green tea. Plus, Harney & Sons uses quality leaf with minimal dust, so you're getting a clean, smooth cup that won't be bitter. The brewing is straightforward, making it beginner-friendly.

This version has moderate flavor strength—it's definitely not bland, but it's also not overwhelmingly bold. Several reviewers specifically mention the lovely fragrant aroma and the nutty, toasted character coming through nicely. That said, one reviewer did find it slightly less robust compared to other brands they'd tried, and it doesn't hold up well to multiple steeps. So if you're looking for a super intense, re-steepable tea, you might want something stronger.

The resealable packaging does a solid job keeping the tea fresh for months. One reviewer specifically noted they could keep it sealed and maintain quality over time. Just make sure to press out excess air and seal it properly after each use, and you'll preserve that fragrant, toasted aroma that makes genmaicha so appealing.

This particular genmaicha doesn't handle multiple steeps particularly well—one reviewer mentioned it doesn't survive repeat infusions like some other teas. You'll get the best flavor from your first steep. If you're someone who likes to get 2-3 cups from the same leaves, this might not be your best bet.

If you're planning to make genmaicha a regular part of your rotation, the 16 oz loose leaf format is definitely economical compared to buying individual tea bags. The quality is high with minimal dust or broken leaves, and the resealable packaging means you can work through it over several months without losing freshness. It's a solid choice for anyone who's fallen in love with that toasted rice flavor.