Hojicha

Hojicha – Roasted Kyoto Green Tea for Cafes and Retailers

Hojicha is a distinctive roasted Japanese tea that originated in Kyoto around a century ago. Where most Japanese green teas are steamed, hojicha is roasted at high heat, traditionally in a porcelain pot over charcoal, which turns the leaves a reddish-brown and gives the tea its signature toasty character.

The roasting creates a light, toasty, nutty and slightly caramel-like flavor. On opening the bag, the aroma resembles toasted rice: sweet, dark and rich, with herbaceous, floral undertones. In the cup, hojicha is light, toasty, nutty and sweet, finishing smooth with a hint of caramel. Roasting also lowers the caffeine content considerably compared to regular green tea, which is why hojicha has become such a popular after-dinner and evening tea in Japan. It is naturally low in bitterness and very approachable, making it a good introduction to Japanese tea for customers who prefer roasty, cozy flavors over grassy ones. For cafes, hojicha is especially valuable as a latte base with steamed milk and honey, and it is also excellent iced. It pairs well with Japanese sweets, chocolate, grilled dishes and roasted nuts, which supports food-pairing menus.

Product Profile

• Type: Roasted Japanese green tea
• Origin: Kyoto tradition, Japan
• Processing: Roasted at high heat, traditionally in porcelain over charcoal
• Dry leaf: Warm reddish-brown
• Aroma: Toasted rice, sweet and rich, with herbaceous floral notes
• Flavor: Light, toasty, nutty and sweet; smooth caramel finish
• Caffeine: Much lower than regular green tea

Key Selling Points

• Traditional roasted tea with about a hundred years of Kyoto history
• Low caffeine and low bitterness for evening and all-day sales
• Top-performing base for hojicha lattes
• Delicious hot or iced
• Approachable entry point to Japanese tea

Hojicha is a cozy, smooth and highly versatile tea that fits nearly any time of day. It is a must-stock item for cafes building a Japanese tea or latte menu.