Collection: Genmaicha -style green tea with puffed rice

Genmaicha tea is a specialty of Japan. It is made from green tea (usually bancha or sencha) mixed with popped rice grains. Although it is widely associated with Japanese culture, this tea has humble origins, dating back to times when the lower classes in Japan sought to stretch their tea consumption by adding popped rice, a more affordable grain.

Today, it is consumed throughout Japan, from homes to restaurant tables, and is appreciated for its sweet and slightly roasted flavor, while being a comforting and accessible drink. It is sometimes called the "poor man's tea" due to its origin story, but it has become popular among many tea lovers, including those looking for a mild and less bitter alternative to traditional green tea.

• Heat the water to about 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).
• Let the Genmaicha steep for 2 to 3 minutes. This time allows the toasted rice and tea to release their aromas without becoming too bitter. If you prefer a lighter taste, slightly reduce the steeping time.
• Once the infusion is complete, remove the tea leaves using a filter or a teapot with a strainer.
• Serve immediately in a cup.
• You can re-steep the Genmaicha leaves one to two times. Slightly adjust the steeping time (1 to 2 minutes).

Additional tips:

• If you like a milder taste, you can add a bit more toasted rice, but be careful not to add too much so as not to mask the flavor of the green tea.
• Genmaicha is usually enjoyed hot, but you can also serve it cold for a refreshing alternative in summer.

• A carefully selected Genmaicha, imported directly from Japan, made of high-quality green tea blended with roasted brown rice. Each leaf and grain of rice is carefully chosen to ensure perfect roasting, an intense aroma, and naturally toasted and slightly nutty notes. Each batch is carefully evaluated for freshness, color, and flavor to offer you a tea true to traditional Japanese craftsmanship.

• An ancestral Japanese expertise that transforms the blend of green tea and rice into a Genmaicha with a unique character, both smooth, warm, and subtly roasted.

1. Rich in antioxidants

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

2. Improved digestion

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

3. Soothing and relaxing effect

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

4. Support for metabolism and weight management

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

5. Stress reduction

Thanks to its low caffeine content compared to other green teas like Gyokuro, Genmaicha can provide a gentle source of energy while having a calming effect. This can be helpful in reducing stress throughout the day.

6. Improved heart health

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

7. Benefits for the skin

The antioxidants in green tea can also help protect the skin from premature aging by neutralizing 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, giving it its airy and slightly toasted texture, creating the characteristic aromas of Genmaicha, sweet and slightly nutty.

It has several functions:

• Flavoring the tea: It adds a toasted and slightly sweet dimension to the taste.
• Making the tea more affordable: Traditionally, adding rice helped reduce the cost of the tea while maintaining a pleasant flavor.
• Providing digestive benefits: Rice, being a mild grain, helps soothe the stomach and aids digestion.

Genmaicha tea pairs perfectly with Japanese dishes like sushi, tempura, and onigiri, thanks to its mild and slightly toasted flavor. It also complements savory snacks such as roasted nuts or rice crackers, as well as light miso soups. For desserts, it goes well with mochi or fresh fruits like citrus.

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

Ingredients:

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

Other green teas like sencha or matcha are made solely from green tea leaves, without any added rice or other ingredients.

Flavor:

Genmaicha has a mild, slightly nutty and toasty taste thanks to the puffed rice, making it less bitter and more approachable.

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 roasted rice aromas, while other green teas may require a higher temperature.