Hoijcha tea, a tea with a unique smoky taste, an elegant looking reddish-brown color, and earthy aroma is a great evening drink!
Originated 100 years back in Kyoto, Japan, Hojicha has grabbed its fame all over the world, especially in the US after Japan.
Hojicha green tea is a roasted form of green tea. Its leaves undergo roasting and steaming. This removes the bitterness of the leaves and gives them a smoky taste. For people who look forward to a low caffeine tea, this is the one!
About Hojicha Tea
Hojicha, a Japanese roasted green tea, is actually not green in color. The green color fades away during the process of roasting.
Hojicha is derived from the Japanese word “to roast”.
The initial process is the same as other green teas like harvesting, steaming, drying, and rolling. However, what makes it different is the additional step of the leaves being roasted over charcoal.
The harvest process of Hojicha begins in June. The leaves are first steamed under mild temperature. Then they undergo rolling and drying under the sun for almost one day.
Later, the process of roasting the leaves starts. The leaves are fired at high temperatures until they turn into reddish-brown color.
Roasting gives Hojicha tea a toasted mellow flavor and smoky aroma. And after being brewed, it turns into reddish-orange liquor or, let’s say, a caramel brown color.
Roasting is one of the important steps of the production of Hojicha. It removes the bitterness and lowers the level of caffeine present in the tea leaves. It also diminishes the tannin content in the tea.
This makes Hojicha a great alternative to decaffeinated tea and coffee.
You can drink it at any time of the day. May it be at the breakfast, after main meals, and even at night. Like other green teas, Hojicha does not keep you awake or upset your stomach.
What does Hojicha tea taste like?
Hojicha has a sweet flavor with a smoky twist. The tea leaves are sweet because the roasting process of Hojicha eradicates all the bitterness in the plant.
By the same token, the aroma of Hojicha is very pleasant and resembles the smell of that of the woods. Hojicha has no caffeine and hence is a healthy option for after-dinner drinks.
Despite being sweeter due to the roasting process, you can add maple syrup or honey to make it sweeter.
Other words to describe Hojicha are sweet, woody, roasted, aromatic, nutty, etc. If you compare the two green tea leaves, the darker one will have a more intense flavor.
However, over brewing can make Hojicha bitter. One prepared from Sencha will have more astringent. The leaves give a molasses finish or call it burnt sugar.
Overall, extra roasting gives the leaves a sweeter taste. Also, Hojicha is completely gluten-free, until no additives are added to it.
How much caffeine is in Hojicha green tea?
Roasted at about 200 degrees celsius (392°F), the tea leaves eradicate the level of caffeine content present in them. However, the type of leaves used differentiates the level of caffeine in Hojicha.
For example, Hojicha made from younger sencha leaves have more caffeine than those made from mature bancha leaves. And, if made from Kukicha, Hojicha has the least amount of caffeine content.
Practically speaking, a 250ml cup of Hojicha contains only 7.7mg of caffeine. Whereas coffee contains 95mg of caffeine content per 8 ounces.
So, the caffeine present in Hojicha green tea is 20mg per 100g. Whereas green tea in general contains 24mg-40mg of naturally occurring caffeine content.
Overall, comparing whether green tea or Hojicha has more caffeine, the answer is Hojicha! It helps calm down the body and minimize anxiety.
Is Hojicha tea as healthy as green tea?
Despite the roasting of tea leaves at high temperatures, the benefits of green tea stay the same. It has numerous health benefits from alleviating joint pains and keeping up the oral health to fighting cold and enhancing the immune.
Compared to green tea, Hojicha has fewer catechins however still a good source of antioxidants. This is because the roasting process elevates the antioxidant activity, ultimately benefiting one’s health.
The antioxidants boost the digestive system of the body. They also slow down the aging process and keep up the good cells of the body. Moreover, the l-theanine compound in the green tea cure mental stress and make you feel calmer.
Another important substance produced in Hojicha is pyrazine. This is again due to the roasting process that heats the tea’s saccharide and amino acid components.
Health Benefits of Hojicha Tea
Hojicha green tea is a must in one’s pantry. The lower caffeine content removes all the jitters and bitterness in the tea giving it a sweet taste.
It helps calm the body, reduce stress, and improve concentration. Also, pyrazine produced in Hojicha has antibacterial and antifungal effects making it an ideal choice.
Here are the major health benefits of Hojicha green tea.
1. An ideal choice for caffeine sensitives
If you have read or explored other green teas, you might have acknowledged that green tea has moderate to high levels of caffeine content. However, for people who are sensitive to caffeine or are looking forward to a drink for the evenings, Hojicha green tea is a perfect choice to make.
This is because other green teas are just steamed after being harvested. In the case of Hojicha, the tea leaves are steamed and then roasted at high temperatures.
This gives it a reddish-brown color and a sweet smoky taste. While others retain their natural green color. Moreover, extra roasting lowers the caffeine content in Hojicha and eradicates the jitters and bitterness in the tea.
And, when compared to green tea in general, Hojicha contains only 7.7mg of caffeine per 8oz. Green tea otherwise has 24mg-40mg as mentioned earlier.
Therefore, Hojicha green tea is a perfect cup for kids who aren’t used to caffeine and definitely a good choice for the elderly.
2. Gives a calming effect and reduces stress
One of the major health benefits of Hojicha green tea is its ability to make your mind and body relax. This is due to the presence of an amino acid called l-theanine that has calming effects.
It also helps get rid of stress and anxiety. Moreover, the savory aroma that comes from pyrazine has proven to give a relaxing effect and improve concentration.
The lower presence of catechins brings warmth to the body. Moreover, both caffeine and catechins contribute to the burning of body fats.
Being a warm drink is one of the major reasons why people consume Hojicha during winters.
3. Boosts blood circulation and gives a glowing skin
Hojicha green tea has the properties to lighten the dark spots built due to acne scars on the skin. It helps prevent skin damage.
In addition, the Vitamin C content in the tea evades wrinkles on the skin and gives it the elasticity you may have lost over time. This makes Hojicha a good choice to restore your skin.
Also, high levels of antioxidant properties in Hojicha remove free radicals from the body. These compounds are therapeutic and slow down the aging process.
Apart from this, the component called Pyrazine elevates the blood circulation in the body which leads to glowing skin. It does so by expanding the blood vessels and stabilizing the nerves preventing wrinkles.
4. Strengthens the immune system and fights cold
Roasted Hojicha green tea includes vitamin A, C, and E that strengthens the body’s immune system, and fights the common cold.
Moreover, green tea catechins polyphenols have powerful antimicrobial and antiviral properties. They kill the unwanted bacteria in the body making it perfect for immune health.
In addition, EGCG attaches to the cell membrane of the flu virus. It blocks the ability of the virus to attack. (Source)
5. Keeps your heart healthy and lowers cholesterol levels
Hojicha green tea has high levels of catechins that regulate cholesterol levels and blood pressure. It helps make your circulatory system healthy, lowering the risks of cardiovascular diseases, strokes, and inflammation of major arteries.
Besides, the Vitamin E content present in the tea prevents blood clots.
6. Enhances digestion and boosts metabolism
The catechins in green tea are capable of boosting the metabolism in the body. This further helps one to lose weight and increase the use of calories in the body, ultimately burning fats.
The roasted Hojicha green tea is an amazing source of enhancing digestion due to the presence of healthy fibers keeping the colon healthy and tumbling the body’s fat absorption.
7. Protects teeth
Hojicha, like other green teas, is rich in EGCG antioxidants. The polyphenols contained in the leaves prevent cavities and bad breath. And therefore, prevents the development of gum diseases or gingivitis.
8. Evades the arthritis swelling pain
The same polyphenols that avert inflammatory gum diseases can also alleviate the pains of arthritis. It decreases inflammation in the joints and prevents further damage to them.
What makes Hojicha different from Matcha?
Hojicha and matcha are both famous for their tremendous health benefits. They are popularly known for their aromatic and rich flavors. A few factors that differentiate them are:
The Color
Hojicha is reddish-brown in color while matcha has a vibrant green color. Its purity levels depend on the ceremonial grade of the leaves.
If you compare the quality of the green tea, the lower quality will show a low vibrance in the powder.
Whereas, the tone or shade of Hojicha will not always be the same. They differ based on the type of harvest they go through, the kind of climate they are grown in, and the particular time of the year they are grown in.
Hojicha can be an extract of Sencha, Bancha, or Kukicha. It is roasted and turned into a powder. While matcha is a fine powder form of Tencha tea.
Aroma and Flavor
Matcha has a vivid green flavor with a vegetative aroma. On the contrary, Hojicha roasted tea has a sweet and smoky aroma.
If you compare lower-grade matcha leaves with the rich ones, the former will taste bitter. But ceremonial grade matcha will be somewhat sweet in taste. It will have a savory umami flavor.
On the other hand, Hojicha is naturally sweet. It has a smoky flavor and is distinct from the notes of cocoa. The roasting of these leaves in high temperatures completely removes the bitterness in the tea.
Formation of the powder
Both matcha and Hojicha tea leaves are steamed in the first place. The steaming evades the leaves to get oxidized and fermented. Next, the leaves then undergo the drying process.
Producers then stone-grind the matcha dried tea leaves (popularly called Tencha) into a fine green powder.
In the case of Hojicha, the leaves are tightly rolled and roasted. Likewise, the stems, stalks, or twigs are used to roast. And this becomes the Hojicha loose leaf tea.
The caffeine content
Matcha has higher caffeine content as compared to regular green tea. Studies show that matcha, on average, has 68mg-80mg of caffeine per 8oz. While Hojicha has 20mg of caffeine per 100g.
Is Hojicha better than Matcha?
If you prefer a beverage with a negligible amount of caffeine, go for Hojicha. However, if you want to stay up late or need caffeine to enjoy its health benefits, go for Matcha.
For starters, it’s good to start with Hojicha as it is sweeter compared to Matcha. However, if you regularly drink green tea, any of them will work for you.
Moreover, to enjoy the health benefits of catechins, opt for matcha as it has more of them. Apart from this, if you plan a beverage for the night, go for Hojicha as it won’t disturb your sleep.
Overall, it totally depends on what situation you are in to make the right choice between the two teas.
How to brew Hojicha tea?
Preparing the Hojicha green tea takes less time compared to preparing other types of green tea. This is because it is already roasted. You can have Hojicha green tea warm, cold-brewed, or even in iced form.
Since it has a smoky flavor, people have it in lattes as well as with desserts. Many also add it to matcha, chocolate shakes, maple syrups, caramel, vanilla, sesame, fig, and sweet potatoes.
To brew, take 250 ml of filter water and heat it at 80°C (175°F). Pour the hot water into two spoons of Hojicha tea leaves and steep it just for half a minute.
Since it’s roasted, it takes lesser time to brew as compared to regular green tea. Now, strain the leaves and you are ready to drink it!
The steep time should not be less or excessive. Consider waiting not more than 30 seconds if you are steeping long leaves. Over steeping may result in the bitterness of the tea.
Also, avoid stirring as it may negatively alter the final taste of the tea. Natural steeping brings a better infusion and an enhanced taste.
However, here are a few things to take care of to make a perfect brew! (source)
- Prefer using a teapot and strainer
- Be careful with the measurements
- Make the water softer
- Prewarm your teapot and cups
- Be precise with the temperature
- Don’t stir when steeping
Explore the variety of food types you can prepare with Hojicha. Popular Hojicha products include Hojicha Tahini Spread, Hojicha milk, and Hojicha syrup.
Also, try the Hojicha rose tea latte, Hojicha bubble tea, Hojicha crinkle cookies, etc. One can drink Hojicha in its original form by brewing it in a hot water cup or prefer it with smoothies and shakes.
How to make Hojicha latte?
In a cup, add about a tablespoon of Hojicha powder and 60ml water. Stir the mixture until the powder gets dissolved in water.
You can then add more water or desired milk and sweetener into it. To get the best experience we recommend you add oat milk or maple syrup into it.
Conclusion
Hojicha is a perfect beverage to drink at night as its low caffeine contents do not disturb your sleep. Having said that, Hojicha can keep you active but may not keep you awake as other green teas with huge caffeine content may do.
While many people confuse Hojicha as a black it, it is actually a type of green tea. For people who look forward to green teas with low caffeine content, check if the green tea is roasted or not.
A roasted and heated one will have low caffeine levels and, therefore, great for the body. However, to enjoy a calm and relaxed mind, one must go for green tea that is not roasted.
A good way to spot a high-quality Hojicha is to focus on the aroma and color of the tea leaves. Also, find out the origin of the green tea. Always prefer purchasing green tea from reputed and trusted sellers to ensure quality.
To conclude, Hojicha is a perfect healthy beverage with a shelf life of one year like most other green teas. However, make sure you store the open pouch/container properly, or else the tea may lose its taste and flavor.