If you are looking to explore beyond your usual cuppa or branch out from the popular vibrant green matcha, or if you've heard whispers of a Japanese tea with a roasted and nutty characteristic called Hojicha (ほうじ茶), then you have come to the right place.
Hojicha offers a more mellow and toasty gentler introduction to the world of green tea, with a flavour profile that is less grassy and more reminiscent of toasted nuts and caramel. Let’s dive into what makes this captivating brew so special.
What is Hojicha?
Unlike the finely ground and vibrant matcha, hojicha's distinct character stems from its use of late-harvest green tea leaves and a critical roasting step. It's crafted by taking coarser leaves like bancha (harvested later) or the stems, known as kukicha, and gently roasting them, often over charcoal. This roasting process effectively mellows any inherent bitterness, resulting in a smooth, nutty flavour often accompanied by subtle caramel-like sweetness and a comforting, toasted aroma. If you're not a fan of the grassy notes typically found in green tea, you'll appreciate hojicha's mellow, earthy, and subtly sweet taste, all enveloped in a wonderfully comforting roasted aroma.
Think of it like roasting coffee beans – the heat transforms the inherent characteristics of the tea leaves, bringing out new and exciting aromas and tastes while mellowing some of the more vegetal notes.
How does roasting help create Hojicha’s unique flavour and benefits?
The way hojicha is roasted is crucial in creating that unique flavour profile and health benefits. From the precise temperature to the exact duration of how long these green tea leaves or stems are being roasted is a true balancing act that not only brings out hojicha’s signature nutty and toasty notes and comforting roasted aroma, but also naturally lower caffeine levels found in high quality hojicha, making it more appealing for those who prefer a less intense brew.
What Does Hojicha Taste Like?
For those who enjoy a good, strong coffee flavour profile or a robust black tea, hojicha offers a unique middle ground. It has a nice deep flavour without the bitterness that some green tea can have, and its warmth is comforting, perfect for those colder seasons or even for a relaxing evening after a long day at work.
Why Aussies are loving hojicha?
Here’s why hojicha is becoming a favourite amongst not only matcha lovers but also coffee lovers
- Smooth, Nutty Flavour: Forget any bitterness you might associate with some green teas. Hojicha boasts a soft, often nutty taste, with hints of caramel or toffee that are incredibly comforting, perfect for a chilly Melbourne morning or a relaxing evening after a day at the beach.
- Comforting Roasted Aroma: Just like the smell of freshly brewed coffee in the morning, the warm, toasty aroma of brewing hojicha is instantly inviting and soothing.
- Lower Caffeine Kick: Hojicha has a lower caffeine content thanks to the roasting process, unlike many other teas and coffees. This makes it a fantastic option for enjoying in the afternoon or evening without worrying about a restless night.
- Versatile Brew: You can enjoy hojicha hot, iced, as a creamy latte (a popular choice in Aussie cafes!), or even incorporate it into desserts.
How Hojicha Compares to Coffee and Matcha
| Feature | Coffee | Matcha | Hojicha |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caffeine | High | Medium-High | Low |
| Flavour | Bitter, strong | Grassy, earthy | Nutty, roasted |
| Best time to drink | Morning only | Morning/Afternoon | Anytime, even before bed |
| Energy | Quick spike | Focused energy | Calm alertness |
| Digestion | Can be harsh | Gentle | Very gentle |
Why Hojicha Is Perfect for Coffee & Matcha Drinkers?
If you love the ritual of coffee or Matcha but want to skip the jittery feeling or afternoon crash, Hojicha is your go-to.
Here's why:
- Low in Caffeine: You read it right. Hojicha tea has even lower caffeine content than matcha. Most of the caffeine is reduced during roasting, so you can enjoy a cup any time of day, late in the evening or if you want, right before bed.
- Gentle on the Stomach: Unlike coffee, which can be acidic, Hojicha is smooth and easy to digest with it’s low acidity and roasted character, making it easier on sensitive stomachs compared to coffee or even some green teas.
- Naturally Relaxing: Hojicha contains L-theanine, an amino acid known for promoting calm without drowsiness.
- Versatile: Enjoy it hot, iced, as a latte, or even in baking.
How to Use Hōjicha Powder
One of the best things about Hōjicha Powder is just how easy and versatile it is to use. Sure, it makes a comforting afternoon latte or experimenting with baking, Hōjicha adds a comforting, roasted flavour that fits perfectly in both sweet and savoury dishes.
Hōjicha powder is a great pantry staple, especially if you love the idea of cooking or baking with Japanese tea. Here are some beginner-friendly ways to enjoy it:
- Make a Hōjicha Latte: It’s one of the best coffee alternatives with a calm, roasted finish.
- Bake with Hōjicha: The mild roasted flavour pairs perfectly with ingredients like vanilla, cinnamon, and white chocolate.
- Create Hōjicha Desserts: From cookies to cheesecake, Hōjicha powder adds a unique twist to your favourite sweets.
- Try Hōjicha in Savoury Recipes: Japanese chefs sometimes use Hōjicha to add depth to broths, marinades, or rice dishes.
How to brew your own Hojicha latte at home.
Making hojicha at home is incredibly simple and rewarding. Here’s a simple guide on how to bring out the best of your hojicha powder
1. Gather Your Gear:
- High-quality premium hojicha powder
- Measuring spoom (normal teaspoon or a bamboo scoop can also work)
- Chawan Bowl or a mug
- Whisk (electric or bamboo, either works)
- fine-mesh sieve.
- Your choice of milk and sweetener
2. Heat your water: Get fresh, filtered water to a temperature between 70-80°C (160-175°F), the ideal temperature you’d use for a delicate green tea, or when the kettle just stops rumbling.
3. Sift the Hojicha Powder: Sift 3-4g of hojicha powder into a chawan bowl or a mug.
4. Add Water & whisk: Pour 10ml (2.46 fl oz) of hot (70°C or 160°F) water into the bowl over the sifted matcha first and whisk slowly to remove any clumps.
5. Add more water and vigorously whisk: Add another 30ml of hot water into the chawan bowl and whisk vigorously if you are using a bamboo whisk. If not, just continue using your electric whisk, continue whisking until a rich foam appears.
6. For a hint of sweetness, add a sweetener of your choice, like honey or agave syrup, into your chawan bowl and whisk it for a few seconds.
7. Add milk of your choice into your cup and then pour the earthy hojicha over.
8. Mix, sip and enjoy the zen
Tip: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a pinch of sea salt for a cosy winter twist.
Where to Start as a Beginner?
Whether you're cutting back on caffeine, delving into Japanese tea culture, or simply yearning for a warm and comforting drink during the cooler months, hōjicha is a splendid choice. It’s easy to prepare, kind to the body, and incredibly versatile.
At Kaizen Tea, we believe that exceptional hōjicha should be both accessible and affordable. Our mission is to become Australia’s most trusted source of premium Japanese hōjicha powder, concentrating on flavour, quality, and everyday comfort.
For those new to hōjicha, we suggest starting with a small tin of Kaizen Hōjicha Powder and enjoying it as a latte. After savouring that nutty, roasted flavour, you’ll see why it’s a fan favourite.