Collection: Hojicha roasted green tea

Hojicha tea is a type of Japanese green tea distinguished by its unique preparation method. Unlike traditional green teas, these leaves are roasted rather than steamed, giving them a brownish color and a mild, nutty, and slightly smoky flavor. This roasting also reduces the amount of caffeine, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a gentler drink, especially in the evening.

Hojicha is often made from bancha (large, mature leaf) or sencha green tea, which are roasted at high temperatures. This roasting process gives it a rich and comforting taste, perfect for accompanying meals or as a soothing beverage.

This tea is highly appreciated in Japan, where it is enjoyed both hot and cold, and is often served after meals to aid digestion.

• Select a quality Hojicha. You can find different varieties, ranging from whole leaf Hojicha to Hojicha powder (often used for preparations like desserts).

• Heat the water to about 80-90°C. Since Hojicha is roasted, it does not require water as hot as other green teas like sencha.

• Use about 250 ml of water for 1 teaspoon of Hojicha tea (about 2-3 g of leaves).

• Let the Hojicha steep for 1 to 2 minutes. Due to the roasting, it quickly releases its aromas, and too long an infusion could make the tea too strong. If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can slightly increase the steeping time, but be careful not to overdo it to avoid bitterness.

• Remove the tea leaves using a strainer or a tea infuser. Serve immediately in a cup.

• The tea can be re-steeped one to two times. For each new infusion, slightly reduce the steeping time (30 seconds to 1 minute less for each subsequent infusion).

• As with matcha, you can also use a whisk to mix the powder well, whether during a traditional ceremony or simply for a delightful moment. You can choose Hojicha in convenient tea bags or loose leaf in a box for more convenience.

Additional tips:

• This tea can also be served cold in summer for a refreshing drink.
• You can adjust the amount of tea and steeping time according to your desired strength.

Hojicha tea offers several health benefits thanks to its unique properties, resulting from its roasting and low caffeine content. Here are some of its main advantages:

1. Improved digestion: The heat generated during roasting helps soothe and calm the stomach, making Hojicha an excellent choice after meals to aid digestion.
2. Stress reduction: Being low in caffeine, Hojicha is gentler than other green teas, making it a calming drink ideal for those sensitive to caffeine, especially in the evening.
3. Antioxidants: Although roasting reduces some antioxidants found in green teas, Hojicha still contains polyphenols and flavonoids, which help fight free radicals and protect the body against diseases.
4. Metabolism support: Like many green teas, Hojicha can boost metabolism and support weight loss by aiding digestion and promoting good blood circulation.
5. Relaxing properties: L-theanine, an amino acid present in the tea, promotes a relaxing effect and helps reduce stress and anxiety, contributing to a sense of calm and serenity.

Hojicha tea stands out from other roasted teas mainly due to its manufacturing process and its flavor characteristics:

Preparation method:

Hojicha is made from green tea (often bancha or sencha) that is roasted at high temperature after harvesting. Other roasted teas, like Genmaicha or Kamairi-cha, can also be roasted, but Hojicha is distinguished by a longer roasting time, which gives it more smoky and nutty aromas.

Taste:

Hojicha features mild, roasted, and caramelized flavors, with smoky notes. Compared to other roasted teas like Genmaicha (a blend of green tea and puffed rice), Hojicha has a more subtle taste, without the roasted rice notes. It is often sweeter and less grassy than other green teas.

Caffeine:

Due to the roasting, Hojicha contains less caffeine than other roasted or unroasted green teas, making it an ideal drink for those looking to limit their caffeine intake, especially in the evening.

Type of tea used:

Hojicha is often made with bancha, a tea made from more mature leaves, whereas other roasted teas like Genmaicha use younger leaves, often sencha.

• A carefully selected Hojicha directly imported from Japan, chosen leaf by leaf to ensure perfect roasting, an intense aroma, and naturally caramelized notes. Each batch is carefully evaluated for freshness, color, and flavor to offer you a tea that respects traditional Japanese craftsmanship.

• Traditional Japanese expertise, transforming green tea into a tea with a unique character through roasting

Yes! Thanks to its gentle roasting and slightly caramelized taste, Hojicha is perfect for a latte-style preparation. You can mix it with hot milk or plant-based alternatives (almond, soy, oat) to create a creamy and comforting drink.

For an even more flavorful latte, you can lightly sweeten it with maple syrup or honey.

Yes, absolutely. The high-temperature roasting process naturally reduces the caffeine (theine) content of the leaves. It is the ideal drink to enjoy the benefits of a hot infusion in the evening without disturbing your sleep.