Collection: Green tea with puffed rice Genmaicha

Genmaicha tea is a Japanese specialty. It consists of green tea (usually bancha or sencha) blended with puffed rice grains. Although widely associated with Japanese culture, this tea is said to have modest origins, dating back to times when Japan's working classes sought to stretch their tea consumption by adding puffed rice, a more affordable grain.

Today, it is consumed everywhere in Japan, from the home to the restaurant table, and is appreciated for its sweet, slightly toasted flavor, while being a comforting and accessible drink. It is sometimes called "poor man's tea" because of its original history, but it has become popular with many tea lovers, including those looking for a mild, less bitter alternative to traditional green tea.

• Heat the water to around 80°C (not too hot, to avoid extracting too much bitterness from the tea).
• Use about 250 ml of water for one teaspoon of Genmaicha (about 2-3 g of tea).
• Leave the Genmaicha to infuse for 2 to 3 minutes. This time allows the puffed rice and tea to release their aromas without becoming too bitter. If you prefer a lighter taste, reduce the infusion time slightly.
• Once the infusion is complete, remove the tea leaves using a strainer or a teapot with a sieve.
• Serve immediately in a mug.
• You can re-infuse the Genmaicha leaves once or twice. Adjust the infusion time slightly (1 to 2 minutes).

Additional tips :

• If you prefer a milder taste, you can add a little more puffed rice, but be careful not to add too much to mask the taste of the green tea.
• Genmaicha is usually enjoyed hot, but you can also serve it cold for a refreshing summer alternative.

1. Rich in antioxidants

Green tea, the main ingredient in Genmaicha, is an excellent source of antioxidants, particularly catechins. These compounds help fight free radicals in the body, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.

2. Improved digestion

The puffed rice in Genmaicha helps to soothe the stomach and promote easier digestion. Genmaicha tea is often drunk after meals in Japan for its digestive properties. It can help reduce bloating and digestive discomfort.

3. Soothing, relaxing effect

Green tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation without causing drowsiness. This enables Genmaicha to offer a soothing effect while being light enough to be consumed at any time of day, without affecting sleep.

4. Support for metabolism and weight management

The catechins present in green tea are known to stimulate metabolism and may help with weight management by promoting fat oxidation. Although the effect is moderate, drinking Genmaicha can complement an active lifestyle and balanced diet.

5. Stress reduction

Thanks to its low caffeine content compared with other green teas such as Gyokuro, Genmaicha can offer a gentle source of energy while also having a calming effect. This can be useful for reducing stress throughout the day.

6. Improved heart health

Green tea is well known for its positive effects on heart health. Antioxidants and cholesterol reduction promote better blood circulation and may reduce the risk of heart disease in the long term.

7. Skin benefits

The antioxidants present in green tea can also help protect skin from the effects of premature aging by neutralizing the free radicals responsible for skin damage. With its soothing and antioxidant properties, it can contribute to a healthier, more radiant complexion.

The rice used in Genmaicha is generally short-grain Japanese rice. This type of rice is traditionally used for consumption in Japan and is known for its sticky texture after cooking, which is ideal for puffing.

The puffed rice in Genmaicha is often brown rice or white rice, but it is mainly white rice in most commercial versions of the tea. The rice is first cooked and then puffed, which gives it its airy, lightly toasted texture, creating Genmaicha's characteristic sweet, slightly nutty aromas.

It has several functions:

• Flavoring tea: Adds a toasty, slightly sweet dimension to the taste.
• Making tea more affordable: Traditionally, the addition of rice reduced the cost of tea, while maintaining a pleasant taste.
• Digestive benefits: As a mild cereal, rice soothes the stomach and aids digestion.

Genmaicha tea goes perfectly with Japanese dishes such as sushi, tempura and onigiri, thanks to its mild, slightly toasted taste. It also goes well with savory snacks such as toasted nuts or rice crackers, as well as light miso soups. For desserts, combine with mochi or fresh fruit such as citrus.

The main difference between Genmaicha and other green teas lies in composition and taste:

Ingredients:

Genmaicha is a blend of green tea (often bancha or sencha) and puffed rice. The toasted rice adds toasty notes and a subtle sweetness to the tea.

Other green teas, such as sencha or matcha, are made exclusively from green tea leaves, without the addition of rice or other ingredients.

Taste:

Genmaicha has a mild, slightly nutty, toasted taste thanks to the puffed rice, which makes it less bitter and more accessible.

Other green teas, such as sencha or gyokuro, can have more herbaceous, umami or spicy flavors, and are often more bitter than Genmaicha.

Preparation:

Genmaicha is often brewed at a lower temperature (around 80°C) to preserve its subtle aromas of toasted rice, while other green teas may require a higher temperature.