Most seasons leave us craving certain tastes as they meet us. In winter, it may be a hearty bowl of chili or chowder. Late summer leads us into red, ripe tomatoes or juicy peaches and in the fall, Pinterest is packed with apple and pumpkin recipes of all kinds. But what do you crave this time of year when March weather is still alternating between winter and spring?
For a few of us, it’s simply the welcome sight of green things sprouting up again after those color-starved winter months. If you are still thinking about what flavors spring makes you crave, let us suggest a few. You may be surprised to learn that tea represents several shades of green that will tempt your taste buds as well as your eyes.
While Dragon Well is one of the more classic teas from China, it is definitely a taste to savor by itself. The light liquor and full, round taste is just the right introduction to the early, fresh produce a backyard garden brings. But if winter holds on and chicken noodle soup still tempts your palate, try adding a few leaves of Dragon Well in your bowl as a garnish.
For a heartier tea with a bit of character, try a cup of Genmaicha. It is a springy green tea from Japan made with toasted rice. This bright flavor gives the impression of a hearty and healthy taste. Unlike a hearty meal, it has almost no calories.
But for the brightest and best shade of green with a sprightly taste to go with it, choose one of our Sencha Japanese green teas. As these teas are steamed, they hold their fresh vegetable flavor. The one pictured here is the Sencha, Fukamushi.
So what tempts your palate this time of year? With over a hundred more types of tea, I’m sure we can help.