Hojicha tea: all about the roasted Japanese green tea with a nutty flavor

Hōjicha is a Japanese green tea that stands out among Japanese teas due to its special properties. Originally created in Kyoto in the 1920s, Hōjicha is characterized by its unique roasting process, in which tea leaves are roasted over charcoal. This process gives the tea its characteristic brown color and a warm, nutty taste with light caramel notes.

The roasting process

The roasting process of Hōjicha is what makes this tea so special. First, Bancha, Sencha or Kukicha tea leaves are selected, which are then roasted over charcoal at a high temperature. This roasting takes place in a special oven, whereby the temperature and duration are precisely controlled in order to achieve the desired variety of flavors. The heat causes the natural sugars in the leaves to caramelize, giving the hōjicha its unique flavour. The roasting process also significantly reduces the caffeine content and produces the tea's characteristic brown color.

Roasting of Hojicha tea

Roasted Hojicha green tea

Taste and aroma

The aroma of Hōjicha is warm and soothing, with hints of roasted nuts and caramel. Its taste is mild and light, making it ideal for evening enjoyment. Unlike other green teas, Hōjicha has a lower caffeine content, making it a popular choice for the evening, before bedtime, as well as for children and the elderly.

What are the health benefits of hojicha?

Despite its roasting process, Hōjicha retains many of the health-promoting properties of green tea. It is rich in antioxidants, which help to fight free radicals in the body. It also aids digestion and has a relaxing effect, which is enhanced by the low caffeine content.

Hojicha tea

Popularity in Japan and worldwide

Hōjicha has a firm place in Japan and is often served with meals or as a calming evening tea. In recent years, it has also gained international popularity as tea lovers around the world appreciate its unique flavors and health benefits. Cafés and tea houses are increasingly offering hōjicha variations, from traditionally brewed tea to modern hōjicha lattes.

Come by and try Hojicha at MARU

Want to experience hōjicha for yourself? Visit us at MARU and enjoy a cup of traditionally prepared hōjicha or let yourself be tempted by our delicious hōjicha lattes, for which we use ground hōjicha in powder form to give you a particularly intense taste experience. We look forward to introducing you to this special tea!

Hojicha powder, which we use for our delicious Hojicha lattes

Hojicha latte in a traditional ceramic bowl

MARU is a Japanese comfort food takeaway at Zurich main station that specializes in culinary highlights of Japanese cuisine that are still largely undiscovered in this country. Bestsellers include gourmet donburi, traditional udon noodle soups and crispy Japanese fried chicken (karaage). Matcha fans will get their money's worth at the integrated Matcha Bar, with various creations traditionally prepared with high-quality matcha powder from Uji.