genmaicha

Genmaicha, also called tea with roasted brown rice, is a Japanese green tea blend made from green tea leaves—most commonly sencha or bancha—and roasted brown rice (genmai). The roasted grains impart a toasty, nutty flavor and a pale golden brew.

Its origins are traditionally associated with rural Japan, where roasted rice was added to tea to stretch limited supplies, making genmaicha a common everyday beverage. It is sometimes referred to as "popcorn tea" in reference to kernels that may pop during roasting.

Flavor, preparation, and variants: The blend combines grassy green tea notes with roasted, nutty rice, yielding a smooth, mild, slightly savory cup with lower caffeine content than plain green tea. It is typically brewed at lower temperatures (around 70-80°C) for 1-2 minutes to avoid bitterness. Genmaicha is most often made with sencha, but can also be prepared with bancha or hojicha (roasted green tea). Some blends include matcha or are marketed as "matcha-iri genmaicha" to add color and aroma. It is widely enjoyed as an everyday tea in Japan and abroad, served hot or cold, often with meals or snacks.

Storage and notes: Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container; consume within several months for best flavor. Commercially produced genmaicha may vary in grade and the ratio of tea to rice.