Hello everyone, I'm Keko, one of the online staff members( ´∀｀)
Today, I’m excited to talk about one of my favorite teas for unwinding: Hojicha, Japan’s unique roasted green tea. If you’ve never tried it, Hojicha offers a completely different experience from other green teas like Sencha or Matcha, and it’s perfect for those who enjoy something warm, soothing, and a little toasty.
What Makes Hojicha Special?
Hojicha is made by roasting green tea leaves, which gives the tea a beautiful reddish-brown color and a rich, roasted aroma.
This roasting process also reduces the tea's caffeine content, making Hojicha a great option for sipping in the evening or when you want something light but flavorful.
The roasting softens the natural astringency of the leaves, leaving behind a smooth, slightly caramel-like sweetness with an earthy, smoky undertone.
One of the things I love most about Hojicha is its versatility. You can enjoy it hot, cold, or even as a base for tea lattes. Its low caffeine content also makes it a great choice for kids or for those who are sensitive to caffeine but still want to enjoy the comfort of a warm cup of tea.
How to Brew Hojicha
Hojicha is very forgiving when it comes to brewing, which is another reason why it’s such a great everyday tea. Here’s a simple way to make a perfect cup:
Tea leaves: Use about 1 teaspoon (3g) of Hojicha for every 200ml (7oz) of water.
Water temperature: Unlike other green teas, Hojicha loves hot water! I recommend using water around 90°C (194°F).
Steeping time: Steep for 30 seconds to 1 minute. If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can extend the steeping time slightly.
Because of the roasting process, Hojicha doesn’t turn bitter easily, so you don’t need to worry too much about the exact timing—just adjust it to your taste. For a lighter flavor, reduce the steeping time, and for a deeper roasted taste, let it sit a bit longer.
The Aroma of Hojicha
The aroma of Hojicha is one of its highlights. It’s toasty, warm, and slightly sweet, which makes it perfect for pairing with food or enjoying on its own. If you ever find that your Hojicha’s fragrance is a bit muted, there’s a quick trick to enhance it: place a small amount of dry tea leaves on a plate and heat them in the microwave for just a few seconds. This will bring out the tea’s natural roasted aroma—just be careful not to overdo it, as the tea can burn easily.
Hojicha’s Versatility
While Hojicha is delightful on its own, it’s also very versatile. You can brew it hot for a cozy afternoon tea, or cold-brew it by steeping the leaves in cold water for a few hours for a refreshing summer drink. Hojicha lattes are another popular way to enjoy this tea—simply add some steamed milk (or plant-based milk) to a strong brew for a deliciously creamy, roasted tea drink.
Additionally, Hojicha pairs beautifully with food. Its roasted flavor complements sweet treats like wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets), cookies, or even chocolate. It can also be served alongside savory dishes, making it an all-around versatile companion for any meal or snack.
Why I Love Hojicha
For me, Hojicha represents a sense of calm. There’s something about its roasted aroma and gentle sweetness that immediately relaxes the mind. Whether I’m enjoying it as a quiet moment in the evening or pairing it with a light snack during the day, Hojicha always feels like a comforting embrace in a cup.
If you’ve never tried Hojicha before, I highly recommend giving it a go. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for a less intense, yet flavorful tea that fits perfectly into a daily routine( ´∀｀)