Sagara Bussan Co. Ltd., has launched a cute tea bag of aromatic tea, which is blend of Japanese black tea and Hojicha roasted tea.

At first when I opened the package, I was amazed by the mellow aroma of the tea! I felt it was similar to chocolate.

The tea bag is tetra type, which has been widely used in tea industry because the shape allows tea leaves to be extracted more efficiently.

The appearance of loose leaf tea indicates the tea has roasted stem tea and the ratio of black tea is higher than that of roasted tea. As posted before, the stem part of tea shoots suits to roasted tea due to their higher content of umami and reduced sugar, which can results in sweet and caramel aroma by roasting due to amino-carbonyl reaction.

In addition, black tea can express various aroma by the arrangement of oxidation process. Some tea farmers can enhance sweet aroma like golden syrup by controlling the conditions of oxidation. I guess the black tea would also have the sweet aroma like golden syrup.

The cold infusion has light bodied and smooth texture with clean fresh finish. The residual aroma of cup is slightly sweet like nectars.

The hot infusion has medium bodied and slightly thick texture with roasty aroma.

I think this tea goes well with meals and sweets. I’d like to enjoy with Japanese confections “Wagashi”.

Actually I enjoyed this sweet amber with Japanese confections made by Inabaya near to Sagara Bussan Co. Ltd.,.

In addition, cold infusion using a potable thermos is convenient to take for anywhere, for example, office, walking and travel. This small package allows us to stock it in our office desk. Moreover, the commuting time is sufficient for tea leaves enough to be brewed.

Unfortunately this excellent tea is sold in only the retail shop or domestic online shop.

I hope this aromatic tea will be enjoyed worldwide!