Average reading time: 5 minutes
Japanese tea is taking off in popularity with matcha (powdered green tea) leading the front. But with matcha’s unique taste, higher caffeine and the matcha shortage, people are looking for other ways to get their Japanese tea fix. One unique option that people are falling in love with is the rice-y genmaicha.
Today, we’re exploring one of Japan’s most unique tea types from its history to recommendations for those looking for a place to start their genmaicha journey! (As usual, the recs are at the bottom, so you can scroll down to see them!)
What is Genmaicha?
This is a popular tea option that's made for easy sipping whether it's in the heat of summer or the cold of winter. Image via Freepik
Genmaicha is a unique combination of brown rice and Japanese green tea. Brown rice is roasted and popped and is then mixed with green tea leaves in equal measure. Then, all that’s left is to brew this combination and enjoy.
Genmaicha, in its usual form, has a brighter yellow-ish hue to it, making it look a bit different to the greener Japanese teas.
The genmai in the name refers to brown rice, so genmaicha literally translates to ‘brown rice tea’. However, it also has other names.
It can be called “people’s tea,” which comes from the fact that rice was, in some ways, a filler that helped to reduce the price. This made it more affordable for everyone. It’s also known as “popcorn tea” in some areas because of the popped brown rice.
Flavor Profile & Variations
Genmaicha blends well with other green teas, including matcha, which creates a greener-looking tea. Image via Instagram
Genmaicha is well-known for its flavor profile, which is often described as being nutty and full-bodied yet mild. This unique flavor comes from the combination of sugar and starch from the roasted rice incorporated with the green tea, which has a fresher, grassier flavor on its own.
A variation, known as matcha-iri genmaicha, contains matcha green tea powder. This creates a tea that’s greener in color, adds richness and creates a stronger tea flavor while maintaining the base tea’s nuttiness.
Other varieties include a refreshing sencha mix, a black bean mix that adds sweetness to the nuttiness, and a variety that uses green tea stems as well for a lighter flavor. Of course, there are other types and blends, but we’ll leave that up to you to explore.
Genmaicha History
So, how did we get to this? The answer is actually not super clear and may never be! Image via Freepik
Genmaicha is actually a relatively newer tea in the general history of Japanese tea, with two different theories according to the Japan Genmaicha Research Institute. Both theories generally point to Genmaicha’s creation being in the pre-war period (most likely the early Showa era [1926~1989].
One theory is that Kyoto tea merchants noticed waste in the disposal of leftover rice crumbs after mochi rice cake pounding. To reduce waste, they mixed it with tea leaves. The other theory is that it was used in Zen cuisine from the crispy rice that you find at the bottom of the pot after cooking. This rice was added to tea.
Either way, the common idea behind both theories is “no waste” and “no leftovers”, which we see in Japan’s food history with foods like yakitori (using the whole chicken) and beni shoga (using plum vinegar left over after pickling plums).
Genmaicha, with its rice-y origins, is also a good choice for enjoying ochazuke, tea (and dashi) over rice. Image via Instagram
Caffeine Content
Much like other Japanese teas, Genmaicha is a popular coffee alternative with its lower caffeine content. While coffee usually has an average of 95 mg of caffeine per cup, genmaicha only contains about 15~30 mg per cup on average, making it less than coffee or matcha but higher than hojicha. This makes for a less jittery boost in energy.
This means that you can enjoy it even in the evening without too much worrying about sleep (if you’re not sensitive to caffeine). Cold brewing can also help to lower the caffeine content of genmaicha, making it a great option if you’re worried about caffeine.
Genmaicha Recommendations
Itoen Oi Ocha Genmaicha Premium Teabags
Itoen Oi Ocha has a whole line of easy tea bags, including genmaicha and hojicha, that are great for an everyday treat. Image via Instagram
Itoen Oi Ocha is one of the biggest tea brands in Japan with a huge variety of Japanese tea products in forms like tea bags, instant teas and bottled teas. These genmaicha tea bags are an easy way to get your roasted rice tea fix and can even go into a tumbler for you to enjoy throughout the day!
Nakamura Tokichi Genmaicha Tea
Here’s another pack of genmaicha tea bags from the popular Uji-based tea shop, Nakamura Tokichi! This variety is made from fully-grown sencha and roasted rice for a lighter version of the nutty and delicious tea. Plus, it’s super convenient for a quick, tasty cup!
Nakamura Tokichi is a great place to stop by for tea time with a variety of Uji-grown teas and delicious sweets to go with them! Image via Instagram
Hayashiya Karigane Genmaicha Box
Hayashiya, or Kyo-Hayashiya, is another Kyoto-based shop that makes a mean cup of tea. And each box in their collection just oozes Kyoto-style with their beautiful wooden design. In terms of the actual tea flavor, this variety uses sencha stems as well, which helps to create a lighter tasting tea while still being plenty fragrant!
LUPICIA Lucky Start Matcha Black Bean Genmaicha
Lupicia is a brand that has an amazing and huge variety of tea from all over the world and sells them in some very stylish packaging. This pack of genmaicha tea bags features another unique variation of the roasted rice tea by adding not only matcha but also black beans to the mix. This blend is made to promote health and energy while also having a sweet yet mellow flavor to it.
You can also find this tea in the Lupicia New Year's Tea Set, which features a variety of flavors.
Black bean genmaicha is a great option for those who want a little more natural sweetness to their genmaicha. Image via Instagram
Itohkyuemon Uji Sencha & Genmaicha Tea Blend
Itohkyuemon is another very popular Uji, Kyoto shop and they bring their famous tea direct to consumers with packs of tea and tea-flavored snacks, including a Kit Kat Kyoto Uji Matcha and Uji Hojicha collab. But our focus is their Sencha and Genmaicha blend.
This blend of teas creates a great combination that has low tartness but tons of freshness while still having that nutty smell and taste from the roasted rice.
Itohkyuemon Genmaicha Tea with Uji Matcha
And we can’t move on without also talking about their genmaicha and Uji matcha blend. This blend adds a bit of richness and umami to the signature flavor of genmaicha.
Itohkyuemon is also known for their delicious treats, like this parfait ice cream bar and their matcha shaved ice. Image via Instagram
ITOEN Oi Ocha Instant Roasted Rice Tea with Matcha
Itoen Oi Ocha makes another appearance with a genmaicha and matcha blend! This instant variety can be mixed either hot or cold water to create your own tea how you like it. This instant tea also has a very natural taste that creates a flavor profile that is refreshing and nutty with a bit of umami!
NANAYA Genmaicha Craft Chocolate
Nanaya is also responsible for the matcha chocolate cups and bars that sold like crazy. And it’s no wonder why. Their tea chocolate treats are amazing and often compete for international awards.
This one specifically has the amazing scent and flavor of both green tea and roasted rice, adding depth and fragrance to the typical sweet chocolate treat. Definitely get it before it sells out... Oh wait. It sold out right as we were posting! (But if you want this treat, just message us through the chat box and we can look into restocking it for you!)
Much like Nanaya's other green tea chocolates, this bar has been super popular and is flying off the shelves! Image via Instagram
Genmaicha really is a great option for those looking to explore the world of Japanese tea! And now that you know all about this nutty, delicious tea, all that’s left is to try a sip yourself!
That’s where MiauMall comes in! We’re tea lovers ourselves and we have plenty of Japanese tea for you to enjoy, whether you need a boost of energy or some relaxation time! Shop Japanese Tea & Coffee with MiauMall!
