Genmaicha

What is it?

Genmaicha is a green tea which has a roasted rice mixed through a traditional Japanese Green tea. By adding roasted popped rice to the green tea the result is a much more delicate tasting tea with a nutty flavour and aroma.
The nutty flavour of this tea compliments savoury food, especially the complex fresh flavours of Japanese dishes.
Genmaicha can also be refereed to as 'popcorn tea'. This is because the popped rice which occurs in the roasting of the rice, resembles little pieces of popcorn.

History

The story of how genmaicha was created can not be set in stone, however the most common belief is that the expense of tea when it became popular in Japan led to genmaicha. The local farmers would mix rice with their tea to stretch it further so they could go without buying it for longer periods of time. The result was the creation of a completely new and unique tea unlike any other.
Although there are other stories about how genmaicha was created this is certainly the most popular tale.

Brewing

• Filtered water is preferred but not essential, and water used should be below boiling point.
• The water temperature for genmaicha is 70C. 
• If you over brew your green tea it will become bitter so keep an eye on it.
• Generally Green tea should be infused for approximately 2-3 minutes. 
• Genmaicha can be infused more than once.

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