Green Tea | October 07, 2024 | E. Inuzuka

Everything You Need to Know About Hojicha Roasted Green Tea

Hojicha is an incredibly fragrant green tea that offers a unique tasting experience with its soothing, earthy aroma and light-bodied, toasty flavor. Known for its distinct roasted taste and low caffeine content, Hojicha has become a traditional favorite in Japan. If you're looking for a green tea that brings a beautiful aroma and a mellow flavor, Hojicha is the perfect option. By the end of this blog, you will have learned everything you need to know about Hojicha roasted green tea!

What is Hojicha?

Hojicha, sometimes spelled Houjicha, stands apart from other green teas because it's made by roasting the tea leaves at a high temperature. This roasting transforms the leaves into a reddish-brown color and gives them a warm, nutty, and slightly caramelized taste. Unlike many other green teas, Hojicha contains significantly less caffeine due to this roasting process, making it an excellent choice for evening consumption. Its non-bitter taste also makes it popular with children and the elderly alike.

What Does Hojicha Taste Like?

Hojicha has a wonderfully fragrant aroma that can be described as smoky, toasty, or roasted. The taste varies, from earthy to caramel to smoky, depending on the specific cultivar and roasting process. While some Hojicha brews into a dark brown color, others yield a golden brown hue. Regardless of color, Hojicha remains light-bodied with a toasty flavor and minimal bitterness. The roasting process not only gives Hojicha its distinct taste but also reduces its caffeine content, making it a great alternative for those seeking a coffee substitute. It's a tea that anyone can enjoy, anytime.

Health Benefits of Hojicha

Like other green teas, Hojicha provides a range of impressive health benefits. It contains catechins, powerful antioxidants that support overall health and boost the immune system. Additionally, Hojicha is rich in theanine, an amino acid known to promote relaxation and reduce stress. The tea’s metabolism-boosting properties and ability to aid digestion also make it a popular choice after meals. Thanks to its low caffeine content, many enjoy Hojicha in the evening to wind down without the stimulating effects of other teas.

Hojicha brewing in teapot next to two tea cups and a dish of hojicha tea leaves.

How to Brew Hojicha

Brewing the perfect cup of Hojicha is simple and rewarding. Follow these steps for the best results:

Heat fresh, filtered water until it reaches a boil, then let it cool slightly. Aim for a temperature around 203°F (95°C) to bring out the full fragrance and flavor of Hojicha.
Measure 1 tablespoon of Hojicha tea leaves per cup and place them into a kyusu or any teapot with a mesh strainer.
Pour the water over the tea leaves and let it steep for 1–2 minutes. Adjust the steeping time to your taste. A shorter time gives a lighter flavor, while a longer steep creates a stronger brew.

FOR ICED HOJICHA: For a refreshing cold drink, add the desired amount of Hojicha tea leaves into a container, pour in boiling water, and allow the tea to cool before placing it in the fridge. After 2 hours, your iced Hojicha will be ready. The brewed tea can be stored in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.

For a more mellow taste, try cold-brew Hojicha by steeping the tea leaves in cold or room temperature water for 3 hours in the fridge before enjoying.

Other Ways to Enjoy Hojicha

Hojicha’s versatility doesn’t stop at tea! For a creamy and comforting treat, try a Hojicha latte. Using Hojicha powder creates a stronger flavor, creamier texture, and makes the process even more convenient. A Hojicha latte is perfect for any time of day. Want to switch it up? Add tapioca pearls to your Hojicha latte for a fun Hojicha Bubble Tea experience!

This was everything you need to know about Hojicha roasted green tea. Next time you're looking to unwind, try brewing a cup of Hojicha and enjoying the comforting aroma and taste of this beloved Japanese tea. Let Hojicha bring peaceful moments to your day!