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Genmai (玄米) means “brown rice” in Japanese, and cha (茶) means “tea.” The name simply reflects the blend of green tea with roasted brown rice.
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Genmaicha is unique because of its combination of roasted rice and green tea. The rice adds a nutty, toasty aroma and smooth sweetness, which balances the fresh, grassy flavor of green tea. It is easy to drink, low in caffeine, and often enjoyed as a comforting everyday tea.
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Warm, nutty, and toasty, balanced by fresh grassy notes from green tea. The liquor is
Recommended Brewing Method
Recommended Teaware for Genmaicha:
Use a Japanese kyusu (急須)—ideally a side-handled yokode kyusu (横手急須). A hōhin (宝瓶) or shiboridashi (絞り出し) also works for gentle, lower-temperature brews. Choose a mid-size 200–300 ml kyusu with a built-in metal mesh; a slightly coarser mesh helps prevent clogging from roasted rice. Serve in yunomi (湯のみ) cups.
Water Temperature:
80 °C
Brewing Instructions:
Leaf-to-water ratio: 1 g per 50–60 ml
Example: 3–4 g for a 200 ml kyusu.First infusion: ~1 min at 80 °C, then decant fully.
Second infusion: 30–40 s (shorter, leaves are open).
Later infusions: add 5–10 s each round.
Genmaicha brews 2–3 infusions, with the toasty rice aroma lingering pleasantly.
Essential Info
Japanese Name: 玄米茶 (Genmaicha)
Region: Japan
Harvest Time: 2024
Description:
Genmaicha, or brown rice tea, is a Japanese blend of green tea and roasted brown rice. It brews into a golden-yellow liquor with a toasty, nutty fragrance balanced by the freshness of green tea. Smooth and mellow, with a soft sweetness, Genmaicha is a comforting and refreshing everyday tea.
Tasting Profile:
Nutty and toasty aroma; mellow sweetness; golden liquor with refreshing grassy notes.