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. The roasting process turns the leaves' green into reddish-brown and gives the tea an entirely different character.

When brewed, it gives a light reddish-brown tea; its taste is roasted-nutty and mildly caramel-like rather than grassy like green tea, and it's not astringent. Since some caffeine is reduced during roasting, it's loved as a tea that can be comfortably drunk later in the day and in the evening.

Content and Notes on Hojicha

Hojicha, brewed without sugar, is nearly calorie-free; due to roasting, its caffeine content is lower than other green teas. That's why it's a gentle option for those sensitive to caffeine and those looking for an evening tea. Still, it's not entirely caffeine-free; balanced consumption is recommended.

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

How Is Hojicha Selected?

Good hojicha has evenly roasted (not burnt) leaves, a vivid reddish-brown color, and a fresh-roasted smell. Teas with a stale smell, overly burnt notes, or that have clumped from moisture have lost their freshness. Balanced roasting determines the taste.

• Color should be vivid reddish-brown
• Smell should be fresh-roasted
• Should be evenly roasted, not burnt

How Is Hojicha Stored?

Hojicha is stored in a tightly closed, light-blocking container, in a cool, dry, and odor-free place. Roasted tea is also affected by moisture and strong smells; consuming it within a reasonable time after opening preserves its aroma.

Using Hojicha at the Table

Hojicha is used most often as plain hot tea, especially after meals and in the evening; also in milk tea (hojicha latte), cold brew, and flavoring ice cream-desserts. It's brewed with hot water at about 90°C for a short time; it can handle a higher temperature and longer brewing than green tea.

Why Is Hojicha Low in Caffeine?

Roasting at high heat reduces some of the caffeine in the tea leaf. That's why hojicha contains less caffeine than other green teas and is preferred as an evening tea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hojicha completely caffeine-free?

No; its caffeine is low but it's not entirely caffeine-free. Still, since it contains less caffeine than most green and black teas, it's considered suitable for the evening.

What's the difference between hojicha and sencha?

Sencha is a steamed, refreshing-grassy green tea; hojicha is roasted, reddish-brown, nutty-caramel-like, and lower in caffeine. Their color and taste differ noticeably.

Is hojicha drunk with milk?

Yes; its roasted-caramel-like taste goes very well with milk and is loved as a "hojicha latte." It can be prepared hot or cold.