Author: Michelle

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Udyan Tea’s Himalayan Sencha Green Tea

Himalayan Sencha Green Tea by Udyan Tea
Green Tea / Straight
₹475.00 for 100g

Udyan Tea has provided me with Himalayan Sencha Green Tea for the purposes of writing an honest review.

First Impressions

Himalayan Sencha Green Tea came to me in a sealed matte, resealable pouch. The label didn’t have a lot of information on it, I relied on the product page on Udyan Tea’s website to find out more about this green tea. Sencha is traditionally a Japanese green tea that has a flattened, broken leaves.

The leaves of Himalayan Sencha Green Tea are a mix of dark brown-green and yellow-green leaves, with broken leaf pieces throughout. The aroma is a mix of minty and grassy to me. According to Udyan Tea, this is an autumn flush tea that was harvested in 2018.

Preparation

Udyan Tea recommends steeping Himalayan Sencha Green Tea in 75-80°C (167-176°F) water for 1 min. I steeped Himalayan Sencha Green Tea in 79°C (175°F) water for 1 minute.

First Taste

Himalayan Sencha Green Tea steeps to a light golden yellow. The aroma from the tea is a mix of grass and umami/savoury notes. The flavour of the tea is grassy, with a touch of saltiness, and there is an astringency in the tea. It causes a bit of mouth puckering due to the astringency.

A Second Cup?

I resteeped Himalayan Sencha Green Tea three times, adding an additional 30 seconds per subsequent steep. I found that the astringency got stronger with each steep, and the umami flavour was overpowered.

My Overall Impression

I thought that Udyan Tea’s Himalayan Sencha Green Tea was just okay. I found the initial steep was tasty, but I found that the subsequent steeps too astringent for me. I know not everyone is put off by astringent tea, so if you’re into that I would suggest trying out this green tea. Also, an even lower steeping time would be possible if you don’t like the astringency for the initial steep – perhaps 30-45 seconds instead of 60 seconds/1 minute.

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Matcha Lemonade

When life gives you lemons, you make a Matcha Lemonade! This makes for a fun twist on an iced matcha that is refreshing, delicious and perfect for the summer – so why not give it a try? I love nice icy drinks in the summer, and having a little something that incorporates tea just makes it all better!

Matcha Lemonade Recipe – serves 2

Lemonade
2 tablespoons Simple Syrup (see recipe below)
2 tablespoons lemon juice¹
700ml (3 cups) water

4 teaspoons matcha²
125ml (½ cup) warm water
Ice cubes
1 lemon (for garnish)

¹ 1 medium size lemon yields approximately 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice. I used lemon juice but you can use either.
² Because you are blending it with lemonade, I would not use the most expensive matcha from your tea stash for this drink. I used a lower grade matcha that’s still meant for drinking, because I knew I would be blending it with lemonade. A good quality matcha is typically $1 per gram, and do not use a matcha that has other ingredients in it besides matcha.

Mix Simple Syrup, lemon juice, and water in a pitcher – set aside.
Sift the matcha into a bowl – this helps get rid of the clumps.
Whisk with the warm water, add a little bit at a time. First you create a paste with the matcha and then thin it out with the remaining water.
Fill each glass with ice cubes.
Add half of the lemonade to each glass (350ml/1½ cups).
Add half of the matcha to each glass (62.5ml/¼ cups)
Garnish the rim of your glasses with a lemon slice or wedge.

Tea Tip! Pair your Matcha Lemonade with a paper or reusable glass or stainless steel straw.

Simple Syrup Recipe

1 cup water*
1 cup sugar*

* You can make more or less Simple Syrup depending on your Matcha Lemonade needs. I used organic cane sugar for my Simple Syrup in this recipe. The basis of a Simple Syrup is a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water.

Super Simple Simple Syrup Method

Combine equal parts sugar and boiled water from a kettle in a bowl.
Mix until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Set aside to cool.

Less Simple Simple Syrup Method

Combine all Simple Syrup ingredients in a saucepan, and place over medium heat.
Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Allow syrup to simmer for 1-2 minutes.
Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Pour Simple Syrup into a jar or bottle and refrigerate.

The Simple Syrup will keep for at least 2 weeks in the fridge – don’t forget to label with the date!

If you make this Matcha Lemonade, I’d love to see your photos! Be sure to tag me on Instagram (@onemoresteep #onemoresteep) or comment below with a link to the photo!

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Oteas’s Strawberry and Cream

Strawberry and Cream by Oteas
Fruit Infusion / Flavoured
$6.95 for 30g (12 sachets)

Oteas has provided me with Strawberry and Cream for the purposes of providing an honest review.

First Impressions

The first thing I noticed after removing the shrink wrap plastic from the box of Strawberry and Cream is the aroma. There is such a rich and strong strawberry aroma from the dry leaf – it’s very inviting and it reminds me of the smell of strawberry and cream ice cream. I can smell the strawberry and hibiscus, which is nice.

Strawberry and Cream comes portioned into tea sachets – which are biodegradable, as per Oteas. Strawberry and Cream consists of: hibiscus, apple pieces, rose hip peels, orange peels, strawberry pieces, and natural flavouring. I don’t really smell the orange or apple, but I think that’s because the strawberry and hibiscus are so strong in comparison (perhaps the natural flavouring is also strawberry?).

Preparation

Oteas recommends steeping Strawberry and Cream in 100°C (212°F) water for 5 to 10 minutes. I followed the steeping instructions and steeped for 7½ minutes.

First Taste

Strawberry and Cream steeps to a very bright pink colour, very quickly. The aroma from the steeped tisane is very much like the dry leaf – strawberry and cream ice cream, but the hibiscus is more fragrant so there’s a nice floral overtone to the fragrance of the overall cup. I found that Strawberry and Cream has a nice sweetness, a good amount of strawberry flavour, with some tartness that I’m attributing to the hibiscus.

I had this both hot and iced, and while it’s really good hot, I liked it better iced. The level of fruitiness lends itself well to be a summertime treat and I would even recommend mixing it with a bit of lemonade to make it even more summery.

A Second Cup?

I attempted to resteep Strawberry and Cream, but I think I sapped out all the flavour in the initial steep. I would recommend steeping Strawberry and Cream just the initial time – so make it a good one!

My Overall Impression

I loved Oteas’s Strawberry and Cream. I think it has a great strawberry flavour and really tastes like the name suggests. I would highly suggest having this tea iced (perhaps cold steeped?) and if you wanted to put it over the top, add some lemonade for a great summer drink! The flavour is great and I think it’d be great to pair with a picnic or barbecue party.

Curious about the cup rating system? Click here to learn more.