Genmaicha
Traditional Japanese flavor tea
Genmaicha — blending equal amounts of tea leaves and roasted rice — is a traditional flavor tea that Japan has enjoyed through the ages. Its striking rice aroma and clear flavor make it the perfect choice for daily tea breaks and regular meals. It is a widely popular and common type of tea in Japan.
How to brew Genmaicha
Here, we will introduce the basic brewing method for Genmaicha.
Please refer to the product label for the optimal water temperature, water amount, and brewing time for each type of tea leaf.
#1 Measure
Spread leaves at bottom of teapot
One cup of genmaicha is approximately 5 grams.
Our genmaicha series bags consist of 5 grams of tea leaves.
If you are lucky, you may also find popped rice decorations known as "hana" (literally translated to "flowers").
#2 Pour hot water
Pour boiled water into teapot
Genmaicha can be brewed with hot water. Ideal water temperature and quantity are stated on tea bags.
Using 30-80 mg/l soft water will produce results closest to authentic Japanese tea.
#3 Extract
Watch the tea leaves open and extract quickly
Watch the tea leaves open and enjoy the rising aroma while extracting, referring to the extraction time stated on the tea bag. There is no need to shake or mix the tea.
#4 Enjoy
Traditional Japanese flavor tea
Light-bodied genmaicha is a Japanese tea with lesser caffeine content, making it an excellent choice before bed.
Genmaicha can be enjoyed up to the third infusion. Here are the suggested temperatures and steeping times for the second and third infusions:
- 2nd infusion: 90°C (195°F) for 30 seconds.
- 3rd infusion: 90°C (195°F) for 30 seconds.
Genmaicha is a blend of roasted rice and tea leaves
Various Japanese flavor teas have been developed in recent years. However, the king of flavor tea in Japan has always been genmaicha.
Genmaicha is a blend of roasted rice and tea leaves, with popped riced decorations known as "hana" (literally translated to "flowers"). It offers a highly-balanced harmony of aromatic rice and light flavor and is beloved by many throughout Japan and around the world.
Legend has it that genmaicha was created to save tea leaves, which were expensive at the time. Another theory suggests that it was born when leftover rice was put in tea to drink. While there are various speculations, they all indicate that the tea was born from ideas of sustainability.
Light-bodied — a harmony of smooth tea-leaf flavor and rice aroma
In contrast to the unique appearance of its tea leaves, the water color of genmaicha is a glistening clear, yellow-green. The water quality is smooth.
Most are light-bodied with a smooth tea-leaf base flavor and close to no astringency. This base comfortably harmonizes with an aromatic rice scent reminiscent of a wine barrel.
Genmaicha blends with matcha have also risen in popularity recently, especially among customers seeking more full-bodied products.
For daily relaxation and tea breaks with friends
Genmaicha can be brewed with hot water and is one of the most conveniently enjoyed types of Japanese tea.
It is excellent for casual consumption for daily relaxation, food pairings, and before bed.
Genmaicha is a Japanese tea with lesser caffeine content — approximately 15% of coffee — making it a perfect choice for children and the elderly.
Japan Made
All the products and materials we offer are made in Japan.