The Melting Teapot

2:30pm, skipped lunch, wanted a light snack, decided to have a spot of afternoon tea

Trader Joe’s Cucumber Wonton Rolls (vegan):  Yes, this is a manufactured food product, but sometimes I just want something quick.   In 10 minutes I was ready with tea and a snack.  The rolls are small wonton wrappers stuffed with chopped cucumber, seaweed, and tofu.  They are light, subtle, and have a hint of Asian spices to make them interesting.  Take a few out of a bag,  then steam or pan fry.

SA Genmai Cha, Japanese Green tea – this genmai cha is coated with matcha, so the savory flavor of the classic powdered green tea joins the popped grain taste of the genmaicha.

To me, matcha always has an aroma and taste that is reminiscent of the ocean, in a salty seaweed-on-the-breeze sort of way.  It can be a little bitter if the water is too hot or the tea brews too long.  If you like dark chocolate, you might like making this is a touch overbrewed to get the roasted-bitterness at the back of your throat.  If you’re more of a milk chocolate fan, use water just before it boils and brew only a short time.

I prepared my tea, then sat back to watch this lovely 8-minute video about Gyokuro and Matcha in Uji Japan.  There is no speaking, just mellow music and an interesting video that shows how the the tea being grown, harvested, and processed.