Tea Series Six (A): Houjicha Tea Leaves — Hot & Cold Brew

 

Houjicha Tea Leaves — Hot & Iced
(photo by JenniferW)

Houjicha has sweet roasted aroma, and a comforting, toasty flavour. It’s gentle on the stomach and perfect to enjoy after meals.

A Little Background 

Houjicha (ほうじ茶) is a Japanese green tea made from the lower parts of the tea plant (usually the larger, more mature leaves and stems). These are first steamed and rolled like other green teas, then roasted over charcoal at a high temperature. The roasting process lowers its caffeine content and gives it a warm, nutty fragrance with caramel-like notes.

It was first created in Kyoto during the 1920s, when tea merchants began roasting leftover bancha leaves over charcoal instead of discarding them, and soon, its soothing aroma became beloved across Japan.

Things You’ll Need

• A teapot

• A tea cup 

• A porcelain or wooden spoon

• A sifter

• A timer

• A heatproof measuring jug (glass is ideal)

• An electric kettle with temperature control

Tip: Investing in a temperature-controlled kettle is worthwhile for precise brewing. Different teas reveal their best flavours at different temperatures.

Houjicha Tea Leaves (photo by JenniferW)

Ingredients

• 4 g Houjicha Tea Leaves (for one person)

• 100 ml boiling water (100°C)

Hot Houjicha Tea (photo by JenniferW)

🔥Hot Brew — How to Brew Houjicha Tea

Step-by-Step

1. Heat water to 100°C.

2. Warm your teapot and tea cups by rinsing them with hot water, then discard the water.

3. Place 4 g of tea leaves into your teapot.

4. Add 100 ml of boiling water into the teapot.

5. Steep for 30 seconds only.

Tip: Do not over-steeping, it will give a harsh and bitter taste, so start pouring after 30 seconds. Although 30 seconds might sound short, it is long enough to extract the characteristic earthy aroma of Houjicha.

Note: Genmaicha can also be brewed in the same way. Both Houjicha and Genmaicha have naturally low caffeine levels, making them ideal for evening enjoyment.

A Little More About Genmaicha and Bancha

🍚 Genmaicha (玄米茶)

Genmaicha is a blend of green tea (usually Bancha or Sencha) mixed with roasted brown rice. Some rice grains even pop during roasting, giving it a nutty, toasty aroma, and a light sweetness. Because of the roasted rice, Genmaicha has a very smooth taste and lower caffeine, making it a soothing and satisfying tea to enjoy any time of day.

🍃 Bancha (番茶)

Bancha is a type of Japanese green tea made from the later harvests of the tea plant, usually after the higher-grade Sencha has been picked. Its leaves are larger and more mature, giving it a mild, earthy flavour, with low caffeine. It’s an everyday tea in Japan. It’s gentle, comforting, and easy to drink even in the evening.

Iced Houjicha Tea (photo by JenniferW)

❄️ Iced Houjicha Tea — A Gentle Refreshment 

After brewing the hot Houjicha, pour into a heatproof teacup and add 2-3 ice cubes. The result is a lightly chilled tea with a gentle roast aroma and a clean, refreshing finish which is perfect for warm afternoon.

Reflection

Each cup of Houjicha feels like a quiet exhale. It’s simple, comforting, and grounding. The gentle roast reminds us that earth doesn’t always come from strength, but from calm persistence. Whether served hot or chilled, may this humble tea brings a sense of stillness and gratitude to your day.

🎥 Tea Series Six (A): Houjicha Tea Leaves — Hot & Iced. (YouTube)

💌 Enjoyed this recipe?

You can find more comforting recipes and reflections on A Journey with Joy at Substack. Subscribing is free, and you are always welcome.