The Seto Inland Sea is known for its sublime scenery. Indeed, Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima in Hiroshima is set within the Seto Inland Sea and considered one of the Three Views of Japan. In addition to having its coastline on the Seto Inland Sea, Hiroshima is the top prefecture for lemon production. Such peaceful scenery and superior lemons inspire this Lupicia Setouchi Limone, a limited edition tea available only in Hiroshima Prefecture.
The tea is a looseleaf blend of green rooibos flavoured with lemon.
Infusing 2.5 g of looseleaf in 200 mL of just-boiled water for 4 minutes, the infusion was a golden orange colour with the bright aroma of lemon. The fragrance of the lemon is that of lemon oil that you get from smelling a whole lemon, but without the zestiness of the rind or the sourness of the flesh. These rich notes of lemon came through strongly in the head with a gentle sweetness before the grassy and malty flavour of green rooibos emerged to remind of lemon myrtle by the finish. The slightest hint of ginger lingered briefly at the back of each sip, but it’s so subtle without the typical spiciness.
This Lupicia Setouchi Limone contained 50 g. The tea was sourced from South Africa, packaged in Japan, and purchased in Hiroshima, Japan in 2015.