A shower of petals in a spring breeze: that is the image Mariage Frères gives of Sakura, Sakura, a green tea flavoured with Japanese cherry blossom. The house calls it a sensual green tea and presents it in a box of thirty round cotton muslin sachets, for a net weight of 75 g.

The composition is simple: tea and flavouring, and the blend may contain traces of tree nuts. Our sheet specifies a green tea and a floral flavouring. The cherry blossom scent, which the Japanese associate with hanami, the contemplation of cherry trees in bloom, has the particular quality of being both floral and slightly fruity, with a soft note reminiscent of almond.

The liquor is clear and fragrant. The freshness of the green tea carries airy notes, which the house describes as indulgent, and the cherry blossom envelops the palate without overwhelming it. Four minutes' infusion is enough to obtain a soft cup, without bitterness, that keeps its springlike lightness.

It is enjoyed during the day, hot or iced, and goes well with an almond pastry, a mochi, a green tea biscuit or simply a fresh fruit. It is a spring tea by vocation, but nothing prevents serving it in the middle of winter to anticipate the season.

Allow one muslin sachet per 200 ml of water at 95°C and four minutes' infusion. Keep the box closed, away from light and strong odours, so that the floral scent remains intact to the last sachet.