Hojicha

Hojicha – Toasty, Nutty Roasted Japanese Green Tea

Hojicha is a unique Japanese tea that originated in Kyoto roughly a hundred years ago. Unlike most Japanese green teas, which are steamed, hojicha is roasted at high heat — traditionally in a porcelain pot over charcoal. This roasting transforms the leaves into a lovely reddish-brown color and creates a light, toasty, nutty and slightly caramel-like flavor.

Open the bag and you'll be greeted by an aroma similar to toasted rice — sweet, dark and rich, with herbaceous, floral undertones. Roasting also gives hojicha a much lower caffeine content than regular green tea, which has made it an incredibly popular after-dinner and relaxing evening tea in Japan.

Tasting Notes

• Dry leaf: warm reddish-brown
• Aroma: toasted rice, sweet and rich, with herbaceous floral notes
• Flavor: light, toasty, nutty and sweet
• Finish: smooth, with a hint of caramel

Why You'll Love It

Hojicha's mild, comforting flavor makes it incredibly versatile and easy to love. It's naturally low in bitterness and caffeine, so you can enjoy it any time of day. It's also a wonderful introduction to Japanese tea for those who prefer roasty, cozy flavors over grassy ones.

• A traditional Kyoto roasted tea
• Toasty, nutty and caramel-like
• Naturally low in caffeine
• A perfect after-dinner tea

How to Enjoy

Enjoy it plain after meals or in the evening, or turn it into a creamy hojicha latte with steamed milk and a drizzle of honey. It's delicious iced, too, and pairs beautifully with Japanese sweets, chocolate, grilled dishes and roasted nuts.

Cozy, smooth and wonderfully versatile, hojicha truly is a wonderful tea for any time of day.