In Japan mugicha is the ubiquitous cold drink of summer. Barley tea is a truly refreshing, restorative drink in hot, muggy weather, and it doesn't get much hotter or muggier than Tokyo in August. Hasegawa Juhyo Mugicha by Fantastic Tea is the real deal. Two large bags in 2 quarts of water in the fridge or on the counter, and in short order - delicious, refreshing mugicha. Couldn't be easier. Couldn't be tastier. And the price, even with shipping, is less than I pay after driving 23 miles to the nearest Asian food store. This is good stuff. (Posted on 9/16/10)

My wife, Yumi, bought Hasegawa Juhyo Mugicha this season instead of buying her barley tea from the closest Asian market (an hour's drive from our house). The Amazon price is competitive and the package arrived in great shape. Amazon proves once again to be a great resource for Asian foods!

If you have not purchased Japanese mugicha (barley tea) before, the large tea bags are the most common way they are packaged. The days of brewing loose seeds are not over but convenience has made the tea bags the preferred method. You can brew the bags in either hot or cold water.

We use one packet per quart of water. My wife, Yumi, loves mugicha in the summer. She prefers the roasted barley bags to brewing loose seeds.

She uses one pack per quart. Our family of four consumes about two quarts per day through the summer, so one package can last us about one month.

Our sons, ages 6 and 7, prefer mugicha to plain water. Barley tea is caffeine free and has a naturally sweet and nutty taste, but neither of these are overpowering. We don't buy Kool-Aid or other powdered drink mixes that require added sugar.

For many people though, mugicha is a required taste. Thus, we recommend you try your first glass under the best conditions: icy cold and served just as you come in from under a hot sun. (Posted on 9/16/10)