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What is Genmaicha? Benefits and How to Brew Genmaicha the Right Way.

Let's delve into the world of Genmaicha tea and uncover the health benefits this unique blend has to offer.

10 July, 2024

Genmaicha is considered one of the most delicious and nutritious teas in Japan. To learn more about this famous tea, join us as we explore the details in today’s article!

1 What is Genmaicha?

What is Genmaicha?

Genmaicha tea, known in Japanese as 玄米茶, is a type of green tea that is famous not only in Japan but also worldwide. It is a blend of (usually Sencha or Bancha) and roasted rice, combined in a specific ratio.

Genmaicha is often called brown rice green tea or roasted rice tea because in Japanese, “Genmai” means brown rice, and “Cha” means tea.

2 Origin and History of Genmaicha

Origin and History of Genmaicha

The origin of Genmaicha is similar to that of other teas in Japan, rooted in ancient legends. It is said that during the 15th century in Japan, the age of the mighty and revered samurai warriors, a tea servant named Genmai accidentally dropped some roasted brown rice into a samurai’s tea and was killed for this mistake.

However, after tasting the unique blend of roasted rice and green tea, the samurai regretted his hasty decision. He named this new tea “Genmaicha” in memory of the late tea servant and drank it every day from then on.

A more realistic account suggests that green tea was an expensive luxury, accessible only to the samurai class and the ruling elite. To make it affordable for the general population, tea makers began blending green tea with roasted rice (a filler) to reduce its price.

Today, Genmaicha, or brown rice green tea, has become a popular beverage in Japan and worldwide, including in Vietnam.

3 Benefits of Genmaicha

How to Brew Genmaicha

Traditional Brewing Method

The perfect ratio of tea to water for brewing Genmaicha is 2g of tea for every 150ml of water. Place 2g of tea into a porcelain teapot, add 150ml of water at approximately 85 degrees Celsius, and steep for 3-5 minutes. After steeping, strain the tea, and it’s ready to be enjoyed. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add 1-2 teaspoons of honey to enhance the flavor.

Cold Brewing Method

To cold brew Genmaicha, you’ll need a glass container with a capacity of about 1-1.5 liters and a tight-fitting lid. Add 10g of Genmaicha tea to the container, pour in 1 liter of cold water, and seal the container. Let the tea steep in the refrigerator for about 10 hours to allow the tea leaves to infuse the water with their flavor. Once steeped, strain the tea, and your refreshing Genmaicha is ready to drink!

Modern Brewing Variations

In addition to the traditional hot and cold brewing methods, you can also get creative and experiment with different ingredients and variations to make unique Genmaicha-based drinks, such as Genmaicha macchiato or Genmaicha latte.

5 Price of Genmaicha

Price of Genmaicha

The price of Genmaicha varies, but it typically falls within the range of 40,000 VND per 100 grams. The exact price may differ depending on the brand and quality of the product.

In this article, we’ve covered everything you need to know about Genmaicha, including its benefits and brewing methods. We hope that through this article, you will discover and appreciate the world of fine teas and find your favorite brew to enjoy!

Frequently asked questions

Genmaicha, also known as ‘popcorn tea’, is a unique blend of green tea and roasted brown rice. It originated in Japan, where it was first consumed by the poor who mixed roasted rice with their tea to stretch their supplies. Today, it is enjoyed for its distinct flavor and aroma.

Genmaicha offers a range of potential health benefits. It contains antioxidants, which can help protect the body against damage caused by free radicals. The tea also has a lower caffeine content than other green teas, making it a good option for those sensitive to caffeine. Additionally, the roasted rice adds a source of dietary fiber.

Genmaicha typically contains less caffeine than other green teas. On average, a cup of Genmaicha has around 15-25 mg of caffeine, compared to 35-45 mg in a cup of Sencha, another popular Japanese green tea.

To brew Genmaicha, use water that is around 176°F (80°C). For best results, use a higher ratio of tea to water, such as 1 teaspoon of tea leaves per 60-80 ml of water. Steeping times can vary, but generally range from 30 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on your preferred strength.

Yes, Genmaicha can be enjoyed cold as well. Simply brew the tea as you normally would, let it cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate it. You can also add ice cubes to your brewed tea for a refreshing iced Genmaicha.

Look for specialty tea shops or reputable online retailers that offer a wide variety of loose-leaf teas. Ensure the Genmaicha is stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness.