Sunday 2 February 2014

Japanese Cherry With Flowers: A Beautifully Fragrant Treat

Japanese Cherry With Flowers is the second sample from The Kensington Tea Company that I decided to try. I was pleasantly surprised with the first tea, Christmas Spice, as I was pretty sure that I'd find green tea tricky to get used to.

This afternoon I had plenty of time to brew properly and enjoy the blends. So, I warmed my pot, let the water boil and cool for a couple of minutes, and snipped open the pouch.


The first thing I noticed was the marvelous and inviting aroma of cherry blossom. It's really sweet and lovely. I poured the water onto the tea, and instantly could smell it brewing. I let the tea brew for three minutes exactly. As I'm getting used to green tea, and therefore being less confident, I tend to brew it for the least amount of time suggested just to be on the safe side.

As I poured the tea into the cup I noticed it's quite a pale tea, a very light amber in colour.

But it was the scent that attracted me. The cherry blossom aroma was very strong and full bodied, but not overpowering.

Taking my first sip, I realised this was quite a sweet tea, and, just like the Christmas tea had a taste of marzipan to it. Add the marzipan taste to the cherry blossom, it felt as though I was drinking a Mr Kipling Bakewell Tart! I know this is a odd thing to say, but it reminded me so much of the popular cake that I was amazed.

What I also liked about this tea was there is no aftertaste, just a pleasant sweetness that stays in your mouth.

Japanese Cherry With Flowers is a light tea, and it's extremely refreshing. I would also note that it's extremely thirst quenching. It's perfect to drink on a warm summers afternoon. It's delicate but not weak. It hits a punch but at the same time is restrained. It's also moreish, so it's fortunate that you can use the leaves up to three times. I've enjoyed several cups of this today. I could quite easily get through 50 grams in no time!

Quite frankly, I am amazed that I'm sitting here enjoying green tea after such an awful start I had with it several years ago. But, with most teas, it's partly how you brew it, but also, when trying a new tea, it's maybe better to start with a flavoured one so you can get used to the tea first.

This tea is a wonderful blend that is a pleasure to drink. It's aroma is inviting and the taste doesn't let it down. I would highly recommend this tea if you have a sweet tooth, as you'll find it very satisfying. I found this a joy to drink, and I'm positive you will, too.

Summary Of Japanese Cherry With Flowers

- Boil the kettle and let it cool for two minutes. Pouring boiling hot water can scorch the leaves making them bitter.
- Brew for between three to five minutes.
- The tea is available online from here: http://www.kensingtontea.com/shop/blended-tea/japanese-cherry-flowers
- Price: 50g £3.85, 125, £8.90, 250g £16.80, 500g £29.70

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