What Is It And How Does It Taste?
Japan is well known for its delicious and unique cuisine. From sushi to ramen, there are endless options to choose from. This country is one of the largest consumers of green tea. Recently, Hojicha is a Japanese green tea that is quickly gaining in popularity. It is a type of green tea that has a unique roasted flavor. But what is it, and how does it taste?
What is Hojicha?
Hojicha is a tea made from green tea leaves that have been roasted to a reddish-brown hue. Hojicha is a type of green tea that is made from tea plants that are not shaded. The harvest of Hojicha generally takes place later in the season and may or may not include stems and twigs. It is a kind of Bancha, a common green tea in Japan that is often served alongside the meal in casual dining restaurants, that is made of matured leaves but can also be from shaded green tea plants Sencha, Gyokuro, and Kukicha. Hojicha can also be in powder form, so it can be mixed easily with beverages and desserts.
Hojicha is now trending in Japan because people discovered that it does not only taste good alone but also tastes nice when mixed with milk and sweet drinks. That is why many businesses are selling Hojicha milk teas and latte drinks. It is also popular worldwide because of Hojicha ice cream, milk drinks, and plain Hojicha tea.
How Does Hojicha Taste?
A sweet, smoky, and slightly bitter flavor that is unique and delicious. The roasted leaves give the tea a toasty, smoky flavor. Hojicha is often served cold or over ice. Those that love coffee will likely enjoy the flavor of Hojicha. Although Hojicha has a unique roasted flavor that is often compared to coffee, it has a mild caffeine content, which makes it an enjoyable choice for those who want to avoid high-caffeine-containing drinks.
What Are the Benefits of Drinking Hojicha?
Like other green teas, Hojicha has a number of benefits including antioxidants and polyphenols that help prevent inflammation, cell damage, and aging. It can ease digestion and boost the metabolism. It can promote relaxation because of the L-Theanine, an amino acid that has a calming effect and helps with concentration.
Hojicha can help improve your cognitive function and reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other age-related cognitive impairments.
Hojicha lightens your mood and adds energy levels, as well as reduces your risk of developing chronic diseases. With the vitamin C content, Hojicha can boost your immune system.
How to prepare Hojicha?
It is best to use a Japanese clay or porcelain teapot (Kyusu), but other teapots are also fine. Put the Hojicha tea leaves (8 to 10 grams) in the Kyusu. Add 177 to 240ml of water that was boiled around 175 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit or around 79 to 100 degrees Celcius so the leaves won’t be cooked and leave a more bitter taste. Brew for 30 seconds. After that, you can now pour the tea into the teacups (Yunomi).
If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy green tea, Hojicha is a great choice. It has a unique roasted flavor that many people enjoy. It also has some health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and improving heart health. Give it a try!
The author sells Hojicha on his website. Check out their loose leaf and bagged Hojicha.
Image is from the Japanese Green Tea Company website and used with permission (source)
