In the bag, this perfectly mimics grapefruit – one of those very aromatic grapefruits, with tons of citrus oil in the peel. In the nose there’s definitely rind and bitterness – the full scale of true grapefruitness.
In the cup, though, the bitter element is reduced to the slightest hint in the aftertaste, just enough to make it a natural citrus. This really is just like drinking a grapefruit – or an oroblanco/Sweetie, going by how green it tastes.
There was a period in France when I used to have grapefruit for breakfast every day – where I stayed there were these perfect little grapefruit spoons that I loved, but I never got around to buying any of my own. So this summer in Japan, when I found some identical ones, I snatched them up immediately.
Now I want to stir my tea with one of those spoons. And I want to drink this with grapefruit. And I want to try it iced. And I want to have it with chocolate cake. And; and; and.
As always, Lupicia tea makes me really happy, and gives me small comforts and luxuries to look forward to. And my gratitude knows no bounds.
[From my Lupicia spree at Westfield Valley Fair in Santa Clara, October 2013.]
Boiling, 1 min 30