Genmaicha

Genmaicha
Genmaicha

Genmaicha, literally "brown rice tea" is the Japanese name for green tea with roasted brown rice. It is sometimes colloquially referred to as "popcorn tea" because sometimes a few grains of rice pop up like popcorn during roasting. Genmaicha gets through the added rice a slightly malty and toasty flavor.

This type of tea was originally drunk by poor people because the added rice made the tea cheaper. It is therefore also known as "People's tea." Today it is consumed by all segments of society. The infusion has a slight yellow tinge. Its flavor is mild and it combines the fresh and grassy flavor of green tea with the aroma of roasted rice.

Genmaicha is sometimes also sold enriched with Matcha. This product is called Matcha-iri Genmaicha. Matcha-iri Genmaicha has a similar, albeit stronger flavor than regular Genmaicha and the color is rather bright green instead of yellow.

See also