I just returned from a three week long trip to Japan. One of my destinations was the town of Obuse in Nagano Prefecture. Obuse is known for its chestnuts, and there are many delightful confections and concoctions with the delicious “kuri”. So, receiving a sample of Sweet Autumn Tea, flavored with chestnut, I was excited to try it as soon as possible!
The scent of the tea bag is fantastic, chestnuts and sweet potato. I didn’t pick up on the pumpkin, but either way it’s still fantastic. When brewed in the cup, it smells of chestnut and roasted pumpkin, and the flavor is delightfully chestnutty. I can practically feel the texture of the chestnut as the tea dances across my tongue. This will be fantastic on a cold autumn day, overcast and the fallen leaves blowing across the landscape in a chill breeze. I’m ordering a package from Lupicia right now!
Oh, and if you happen to find yourself in Obuse, try the chestnut ice cream!
Edited to add second steep note:
Same parameters, yields a much more pronounced chestnut fragrance and flavor. Don’t discard the tea after the first steep, you’ll be missing out!
3 weeks in Japan? I’m so jealous!!! How awesome!