Description
Tea isn’t only a drink for adults in the land of the rising sun. Lower in tannin and caffeine and more gentle on the stomach than many other Japanese blends of tea, Hojicha Bancha green tea is often served to children in Japan after a big dinner. However, this oriental tea leaf is equally delightful for adults, thanks to its deliciously nutty aroma and reassuringly full-bodied rich taste.
Hojicha Bancha green tea is renowned for its slightly nutty flavor combined with a gentle hint of spice and smoke. Part of the reason for this varied taste is due to the fact that the leaves are picked later in the season than most Japanese tea leaves, and from larger bancha leaves.
Their comparatively large size helps produce a fuller flavour during the roasting process that takes place almost as soon as the leaves are harvested. The result is a subtly spicy yet nutty tasting cup of tea which will open your eyes and taste buds to the delights on offer in the Japanese tea plantations.
As with all our teas, Hojicha green tea is supplied with carefully manufactured nylon tea bags. These are specially designed to be resistant to slight changes in room temperature and to keep the flavour locked in on its way to your tea cup.
HOJICHA BANCHA TEA BREWING INSTRUCTION:
THE WATER TEMPERATURE
- The golden rule about water temperature is never to use boiling water on the tea, whatever kind of tea you are making.
- Green Teas require water at 70°C and black teas require water at 85-90°C.
- These days you can get kettles which enable you to choose your water temperature.
THE AMOUNT OF TEA
- Custom dictates that 4 grams are sufficient for one cup. But the amount is partly a matter of preference.
- In the case of Assam tea, which is naturally very robust, you might want to reduce the strength and brew 3 grams instead of 4.
THE BREWING TIME
- This is a very important step in the art of tea-making. In fact, the brewing time varies depending on the type of tea. An over-brewed black tea will develop a bitter taste whilst an under-brewed white tea will be flat and insipid.
- Black teas are normally brewed for 2-3 minutes, green teas for 3 – 4 minutes. It is a good idea to check the brewing time before making the tea because some teas need to be infused for very specific times: for example, Jade Pearl is left to infuse for 7 – 20 minutes, whilst Oolong tea will need 5 – 7 minutes for its bouquet to develop fully.
- Brewing is normally done with a lid on so that the tea retains all its aromas.
Michelle K –
Nice flavour, just a bit broke up. Would order again, pleasant tea.
I bought this tea as an ingredient for hojicha pudding, and I was happy with the results.
This is a roasted tea, and the roasting process alters the original green tea. Compared to regular green tea,hojicha has less caffeine, but has a more toasty flavour and is more aromatic (like coffee). It’s a good addition to my tea collection.
Lisa c. –
I really enjoy Mighty Leaf teas. The leaves contained within the silky pouches are of larger size and of higher quality than the national brands found in supermarkets, making a more flavorful tea to enjoy. the silky pouches are much larger compared to other well-known national brands. Mighty Leaf is loose-leaf tea in individual silky pouches and individually wrapped in cellophane, making loose-leaf tea very convenient to bring along on trips. Mighty Leaf supports sustainable farming practices in artisan communities around the world. The box states “pan-fried and slow-roasted Japanese green tea leaves yield a rich, nutty brew. I usually combine 2 different teas in a 12 oz cup so I cannot comment on the “nutty” flavour at this time. I have tried several flavours and enjoyed all of them.
Eileen Deg –
Of all the teas that I have tried, and I have tried many. Hojicha is the absolute best! The slow-roasted taste gives it a nutty finish that leaves you needed another cup. On average, I drink about three cups a day. I have to buy this tea three boxes at a time!
I love you Well Tea!
Rachel M. Gohlman –
I was never a green tea drinker before Hojicha. Green tea always tasted too bitter for me. Now for the past several months, I have been drinking Hojicha every morning. The flavour is a bit like rice tea, a little nutty and I really like it. Have gotten others hooked on this, as well!
kate –
This is an excellent and authentic hojicha tea, made from all of the tea plants on the final harvest: leaves, stems and stocks. Before roasting (in porcelain, over charcoal), the leaves are tightly rolled and may appear similar to the stems by those looking quickly. Unlike other green teas, hojicha does well with boiling water (100ºC / 212ºF), although I prefer 80ºC/176 ºF at a slightly longer steeping. All the flavour notes are just right, with a sweetness and a toasted caramel flavour as much as color. Without any bitterness, I can make at least two brews from the same leaves, and enjoy these cups late into the evening.