Hojicha is a unique & comforting Japanese tea that’s quickly becoming a cult favourite across tea shops around the world, & if you've ever wondered what this delightful, roasted green tea is, you're in the right place.
Hojicha offers a deliciously different experience from typical green teas, both in flavour & preparation. Let's explore what makes this tea so special.
Hojicha Fact File:
Hojicha is a truly innovative tea. It’s a green tea that has undergone an extra step: roasting.
- It is made by chopping & roasting green tea leaves, such as Bancha & some Sencha types, that have already been processed using the Japanese steaming method. The initial steaming process is what gives the tea a milder, less astringent taste before it even meets the roaster.
- The roasting process is a game-changer. The high heat transforms the tea's colour from green to a beautiful, light brown. More importantly, it dramatically changes the flavour & aroma to a nutty, slightly sweet, & pleasantly smooth profile that is incredibly comforting.
- Additionally, the high temperature used in roasting (typically 160–200°C) vaporises some of the caffeine from the tea, naturally reducing the total caffeine content in the leaves. This makes hojicha a wonderful choice for an evening brew.
Hojicha vs. Matcha: The Ultimate Tea Showdown
Hojicha & matcha are both beloved Japanese teas, but they are worlds apart in production, flavour, & appearance. Here is a quick comparison to help you tell these two apart:
| Feature | Hojicha | Matcha |
| Leaf Shading | Made from unshaded leaves | Made from shaded leaves |
| Processing | Steamed & then roasted | Steamed, but not roasted |
| Colour | Light brown (from roasting) | Vibrant green (from shading) |
| Flavour | Smoky, nutty, sweet, similar to cacao nibs | Vegetal, grassy, umami/seaweedy |
| Available Forms | Loose leaf & ground powder | Only ever ground powder |
| Culinary Use | Can be baked with | Can be baked with |
While matcha is celebrated for its intense, vibrant green colour & rich umami flavour, hojicha offers a more subdued, warm, & earthy experience. Its smoky & nutty notes make it an excellent ingredient for sweet treats!
Experience Hojicha
If you're looking for a low-caffeine, soothing, & subtly sweet tea that's perfect any time of day, hojicha is a must-try. Why not give hojicha, or one of our other tea powders, a go? Shop here.
Want to learn how to make a delicious jam-infused drink with our Jam Jar Hojicha? Find out more here.
