Green Pekoe green tea from Adagio brews a smooth and soothing mellow beverage that is more on the lighter side of green tea. That is, this green variety is not as grassy when compared to other varieties such as Sencha or even Dragonwell, and is another great choice for newcomers to this beverage who may feel that the vegetal notes may turn them off in the beginning.
While there are some grassy tones present (as with all greens), it is nothing overpowering and is perfectly balanced, even with a little hint of floral "sweetness", which is why I feel it is good for starters. In fact, it is almost like a weaker version of their “Green Anji” tea, or perhaps maybe like a stronger white tea.
The aroma is light and airy too...
Overall, green tea needs to be given a chance so the palate can open up to its many nuances, grassy or not.
Once adapted, in time, some folks start to prefer a nice grassy cup of green...it is a pretty awesome flavor! But for now, give Green Pekoe a shot and move up from there if you're just starting out. Brew a heaping teaspoon for every mug-sized cup in hot steaming water (not boiling) for about 3 minutes.
Then from there try Dragonwell or Green Anji before heading over to the stronger and more robust Sencha and Gyokuro varieties.
I like these light varieties of green tea on rainy afternoons since it has a calming and mellow flavor that goes with the mood of the weather. But to each his own I guess.
Green Pekoe green tea is a Chinese loose leaf green tea that like many others is grown in China's Fujian province. The "Pekoe" in its name refers to the grading quality the tea leaves receive, although judging by the size it seems like a higher grade than pekoe. I'm thinking "Golden Flowery Pekoe" at least.
