Hojicha

What Is Hojicha?

Hojicha is a Japanese tea made by roasting green tea leaves, usually bancha or sencha, at high heat in a pot or drum. Roasting turns the leaves from green to reddish-brown and gives the tea a completely different character.

When brewed, it produces a light reddish-brown tea. Rather than tasting like grassy green tea, it is roasted, nutty, and mildly caramel-like, without much astringency. Because roasting reduces some of the caffeine, it is popular as a tea that can be enjoyed later in the day and in the evening.

Hojicha Ingredients and Notes

When brewed without sugar, hojicha is nearly calorie-free; roasting makes its caffeine content lower than that of other green teas. This makes it a mellow option for people sensitive to caffeine and those looking for an evening tea. It is not entirely caffeine-free, however, so moderate consumption is recommended.

This is general information; hojicha is a beverage, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Hojicha

Good hojicha has evenly roasted, unburned leaves, a vivid reddish-brown color, and a fresh roasted aroma. Tea that smells stale or overly burnt, or has clumped from moisture, has lost its freshness. The balance of the roast determines the flavor.

• The color should be vivid reddish-brown.
• It should have a fresh roasted aroma.
• The roast should be balanced, not burnt.

How to Store Hojicha

Store hojicha in a tightly sealed, lightproof container in a cool, dry, odor-free place. Roasted tea is also affected by moisture and strong odors; after opening, use it within a reasonable time to preserve its aroma.

How to Use Hojicha at the Table

Hojicha is most often enjoyed plain and hot, especially after meals and in the evening; it is also used in milk drinks (hojicha latte), cold brew, and to flavor ice cream and desserts. Steep it briefly in hot water at about 90°C / 194°F; it can withstand hotter water and a longer steep than green tea.

Why Is Hojicha Low in Caffeine?

Roasting at high heat reduces some of the caffeine in the tea leaves. That is why hojicha contains less caffeine than other green teas and is often chosen as an evening tea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hojicha completely caffeine-free?

No. It is low in caffeine, but not entirely caffeine-free. Still, it contains less caffeine than most green and black teas, so it is considered suitable for the evening.

What is the difference between hojicha and sencha?

Sencha is a steamed green tea with a fresh, grassy flavor; hojicha is roasted, reddish-brown, nutty and caramel-like, and lower in caffeine. Their colors and flavors are distinctly different.

Can you drink hojicha with milk?

Yes. Its roasted, caramel-like flavor goes very well with milk, and it is popular as a “hojicha latte.” It can be made hot or cold.