Genmaicha
A symbol of simplicity and humility
Genmaicha 玄米茶 is a Japanese green tea, mixed with roasted brown rice. Some of that green tea pops as it is cooked giving it the nickname “popcorn tea.”
Historically genmaicha is considered a pauper’s tea because the rice worked as a filler and reduced the price of tea, but it’s enjoyed more widely today. The tea is a rich, warm taste due to the toasted rice but the nuance of the flavour can vary depending on the quality of both the green tea and the rice.
Green teas tend to be brewed at cooler temperatures than black teas, with each variety is steeped at a different temperature. Genmaicha is steeped at about 80-90°C (176-194°F) for less than a minute.
Instructions for hot tea (per person)
Measure out 2-3 grams (about 2 tsps) of genmaicha and add to teapot or kyusu 急須
Boil water (200 mL per person) and let cool until it reaches 80-90°C (176-194°F)
Poor into the tea pot
Let steep for up to one minute (some people prefer a brief 20 seconds, others like 3 minutes)
Pour the tea through a strainer (a chakoshi 茶こし in Japan) into individual cups
Enjoy
Instructions for cold brew (per person)
Measure 2-3 grams (about 2 tsps) of genmaicha per cup of water
Steep water and tea for 3 to 6 hours in the fridge
Strain tea into glasses and add ice
Enjoy!
Notes
Do not over steep genmaicha, or any green tea, it will become bitter.
A kettle with temperature control makes the process easier, but if you don’t have one, boil the water and then let cool before pouring it into the tea pot.
“If man has no tea in him, he is incapable of understanding truth and beauty.”
