Hojicha with Roasted Rice

TASTING NOTES: roasted sweet potatoes, baked bread, light-bodied coffee

This unique blend pairs the rich, roasted flavor of hojicha with the nutty sweetness of toasted and brown rice, creating a smooth, comforting tea that’s ideal for any time of day. Crafted with organic tea leaves from Shimada, Shizuoka, and carefully selected rice from Miyagi Prefecture, this tea embodies the essence of Japanese craftsmanship and sustainable farming. A wonderful accompaniment to meals, this genmai hojicha is a flavorful, healthy choice that’s both satisfying and versatile.


PACKAGING:
WEIGHT:
€11.00

Tea character

Leaf aroma

toasted rice, roasted nuts, light caramel

Cup aroma

smoky rice, roasted green tea, warm honey

Flavor

roasted rice, barley, popcorn, lightly toasted bread

Tea story

Genmai hojicha is a remarkable creation from the Zenkouen Tea Garden, born from the vision of Yoshimitsu Masuda, a dedicated tea farmer who transitioned from conventional to organic farming in the early '90s. Situated in Shimada, Shizuoka, Masuda's family farm is a testament to perseverance, overcoming challenges like pest infestations and low yields in order to produce pesticide-free, high-quality tea.

This genmai hojicha is a fusion of two traditional elements: naturally grown hojicha (roasted green tea) and rice from the Miyagi Prefecture, an area known for its dedication to quality rice cultivation. Zenkouen’s blend of roasted and brown rice is carefully balanced in a 1:2 ratio, offering a harmonious combination of flavors.

It’s a tribute to Masuda-san's commitment to organic farming and his passion for creating tea that’s both safe and satisfying. The tea offers a glimpse into Japan's agricultural heartland, where ancient techniques meet modern sensibilities.

Tea Region | Shimada, Shizuoka, Japan

Tea tree | Camellia sinensis sinensis

Cultivar | Yabukita, Fukumidori

Harvest | Late spring, 2024

Picking & processing | Young leaves hand-picked and roasted after steaming

Grilled salmon with teriyaki glaze
The smoky richness of grilled salmon enhances the roasted flavors of the hojicha, while the sweetness of the teriyaki glaze mirrors the mild sweetness in the tea.

Vegetable tempura
The delicate batter and crispy vegetables pair perfectly with the smooth, roasted character of the genmai hojicha, bringing balance to the tea's warmth.

Sweet potato fries
The natural sweetness and slight crispiness of the fries complement the creamy, nutty undertones in the tea, creating a comforting pairing.

How to brew

Temperature | 90°C

Tea weight | 3 gram

Water amount | 200ml

Steeping time | 1 min+ (you can resteep 2-3 times)

Tea weight: 5 gram
Water amount: 500 ml
Water temperature: cold to room temperature
Steep time: 3 hours

These are broad guidelines, and you can definitely adjust the water amount, temperature, tea amount, and steep time depending on your own personal taste.

Instructions:

  1. If you have a tea bag, place the leaves inside the tea bag.
  2. Place the tea bag (or tea leaves) inside your bottle or jug
  3. Fill with water.
  4. Put the bottle / jug in the refrigerator.
  5. Drink within 24 hours.

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