Strawberry Sencha Fresca

First, prepare your ingredients. You'll need:

• 1/2 pound washed, hulled strawberries (about one medium-sized container from the grocery store of farmers market)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 sprig mint leaves (about 12 small leaves)
• 2 cups iced Sencha Japanese green tea, brewed with water that's below boiling and "everyday" Sencha tealeaves, like Fukamushi Sencha leaves

Once you've assembled you're ingredients, go ahead and put everything but the Sencha into a blender.
Blend the strawberries, mint leaves and honey on the "blend" setting until the mixture is smooth. It should take about 30 seconds. Stop blending and use a spoon to push the strawberries closer to the blades if necessary.

When you're done blending, you can proceed to step three or keep the mixture covered and chilled until you're ready to serve it. (Stirring the blended strawberries and the Sencha green tea together just before serving keeps the mixture from separating.)

This step is what sets Strawberry Sencha Fresca apart from regular strawberry agua fresca. Iced green tea (preferably iced Sencha) gives this summertime recipe more flavor, complexity and antioxidants than regular strawberry agua fresca. The fresh mint also complements the fresh flavor of the Sencha and the sweetness of the strawberries.

Simply stir the blended strawberry mixture and the iced tea together in a pitcher or large glass jar.
Like agua fresca, Strawberry Sencha Fresca is best when it's fresh. Serve it immediately, and try to stir your pitcher just before refilling glasses.

You can keep leftover Strawberry Sencha Fresca covered and refrigerated overnight to enjoy in the morning.

Makes about four servings.