What is Hojicha? A roasted Japanese green tea with a mild flavor.

When talking about Japanese green tea, many people probably think of Matcha or Sencha first. But there is another type of tea that has an equally unique identity, which is Hojicha, which is a tea that has gone through a roasting process, giving it a color, aroma, and taste that is clearly different from regular green tea.

What is Hojicha?

Hojicha is a roasted Japanese green tea. It usually uses high-quality green tea leaves, such as Bancha, or sometimes uses tea stems and buds that are roasted at high temperatures. This roasting process brings about important changes:

• Tea color: Changes from bright green to orange-reddish brown.
• Tea aroma: A distinctive aroma, similar to caramel, smoke or roasted nuts, with a warm and soft flavor.
• Tea taste: It has a mild, gentle and slightly sweet taste. It is not bitter or astringent like other green teas. It also has much lower caffeine than other types of green tea, making it easier to drink and suitable for those who want to avoid high caffeine.

History of Hojicha

Hojicha was born in Japan in the 1920s (around 1920) in Kyoto. It was originally made by roasting leftover green tea from the production of other types of tea or tea that had been stored for a long time so that it would not go to waste and to create new flavors for the สนใจสมัคร? คลิกที่นี่เพื่อเริ่มต้น tea. When it was found that roasting reduced bitterness and added a unique aroma, hojicha quickly became popular and became another type of tea that people loved.

Hojicha production process

The production of Hojicha begins with the selection of high-quality green tea leaves, which may be from the last harvest (bancha) or other parts of the tea plant. These leaves are then roasted at high temperatures, often using special roasting ovens that can be controlled with precise temperature. Roasting stops when the leaves have a reddish-orange color and a distinctive aroma.

Benefits of Hojicha

In addition to its delicious taste and enticing aroma, hojicha also has several health benefits:

• Low Caffeine: Suitable for those who are sensitive to caffeine or who want to drink tea in the evening without affecting sleep.
• Helps to relax: The warm aroma and soft taste help to relax and reduce stress very well.
• Reduces stomach irritation: Since it contains less tannin than regular green tea, it reduces the chances of stomach irritation.
• Contains antioxidants: Even though it is roasted, hojicha still contains antioxidants, which help protect cells in the body.
• Refreshing: Can be drunk both hot and cold, helps to feel refreshed and invigorated.

How to make Hojicha

Making Hojicha is not complicated. It can be done easily as follows:

1. Boil water: Bring water to a boil and let it cool slightly, approximately 90-100 degrees Celsius.
2. Add tea leaves: Scoop about 1 teaspoon (for 1 cup) of hojicha leaves into a teapot or teacup.
3. Pour water: Pour hot water over the tea leaves.
4. Wait: Leave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on the desired intensity (do not soak for too long or it will taste bitter).
5. Serving: Pour tea into cups and enjoy the aroma and mellow taste.

Hojicha is another interesting option for those who love Japanese tea. But do not want the strong taste or high caffeine like regular green tea. With its unique aroma and smooth taste, Hojicha is an easy-to-drink tea that can be drunk at any time of the day. Try finding Hojicha to try and you may fall in love with this roasted tea from Japan.