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 option for those looking for a gentler beverage, especially in the evening.

Hojicha is often made from green tea such as bancha (tea made from large, mature leaves) or sencha, 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 powdered Hojicha (often used in preparations such as desserts).

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

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

• Steep the Hojicha for 1 to 2 minutes. Due to the roasting, it releases its aromas quickly, and steeping for too long 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 extend it too much to avoid bitterness.

• Remove the tea leaves using a strainer or a teapot with a filter. Serve immediately in a cup.

• The tea can be re-steeped once or twice. 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 thoroughly, whether during a traditional ceremony or simply for an indulgent moment. You can choose Hojicha in convenient tea bags or loose-leaf tea in a tin for greater convenience.

Additional tips:

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

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

Hojicha tea mainly differs from other roasted teas in its production process and flavor characteristics:

Preparation method:

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

Taste:

Hojicha has mild, roasted, and caramelized flavors, with smoky notes. Compared with other roasted teas such as Genmaicha (a blend of green tea and puffed rice), Hojicha has a more subtle flavor, without the notes of roasted rice. It is often smoother and less grassy than other green teas.

Caffeine:

Due to the roasting process, 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 such as Genmaicha use younger leaves, often from sencha.

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

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

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

For an even more delicious 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 beverage for enjoying the benefits of a hot infusion in the evening without disrupting your sleep.