Japanese Bancha Houghi Tea, popularly known as “Hojicha”, is a distinguished variety of green tea that stands out due to its unique preparation process and the unparalleled quality of its leaves.
This tea variety, originating from Japan, exhibits a beautifully rich, sweet finish upon brewing, which can be attributed to its distinctive roasting procedure. Despite its visually misleading brown appearance, Bancha Houghi Cha is a green tea type and is celebrated for its remarkable health benefits.
Packed fresh from our Kent-based factory, we assure the consistency of quality in every cup of Bancha Houghi Cha, making this tea not just a drink, but an experience to relish.
Processed Used to Make Bancha Houghi Cha
The production of it involves a series of meticulous steps that result in its unique taste and characteristic brown colour. Upon harvesting, the tea leaves are immediately steamed to prevent oxidation, a process that retains the green colour and enriches the tea’s aroma.
The steamed leaves are then subjected to a roasting process, a distinctive characteristic of Bancha Houghi Cha. The leaves are heated in a porcelain pot over charcoal at a high temperature, a traditional method that contributes to the tea’s enticingly sweet taste and eliminates almost all the caffeine.
This roasting process differentiates Bancha Houghi Cha from other green teas and gives it a brown appearance. After roasting, the leaves are cooled down and packaged, ready to be brewed into a delightful, healthful beverage.
History of Bancha Houghi Tea
Bancha Houghi Cha, or Hojicha, traces its roots back to the 1920s in Kyoto, Japan. Originally, it was created out of resourcefulness and sustainability, using the leftover leaves, stems, and twigs from the season’s Sencha production.
This tea soon gained popularity due to its distinctive roast flavour and lower caffeine content, becoming a favourite among all age groups, even children and the elderly.
Over the years, Bancha Houghi Cha has maintained its status as a beloved tea variety, served in households and tea ceremonies across Japan. The tea’s rich history is a testament to its enduring appeal, stemming from its unique roasting process and the unparalleled quality of its leaves.
Today, it is more than just a beverage; it is a reflection of Japanese tradition and cultural heritage.
How to Make Japanese Bancha Houghi Tea
- Select the right equipment: For brewing, use a Japanese Kyusu teapot. If you don’t own one, any small to medium-sized teapot will suffice.
- Measure the tea: Use approximately one tablespoon (about 5 grams) of Bancha Houghi Cha for every 200 ml of water. The amount can be adjusted based on personal preference.
- Heat the water: The ideal temperature for brewing Bancha Houghi Cha is slightly below boiling, around 80-90 degrees Celsius. If you don’t have a temperature-controlled kettle, bring the water to a boil and then let it cool for a minute.
- Brew the tea: Add the leaves to your teapot and then pour the hot water over them. Let the tea steep for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. The brewing time can be extended for a stronger taste.
- Strain and serve: Pour the tea into cups through a strainer to remove the leaves. The tea should have a beautiful amber colour.
- Enjoy: Savour your cup of Bancha Houghi Cha, allowing the sweet roasted flavours to tantalise your tastebuds.
Remember, Bancha Houghi Cha can be re-steeped several times, with each subsequent brew revealing new facets of the tea’s complex flavour profile. Happy brewing!
Tasting Notes: Displays notes of roasted chestnuts, a smooth texture, and a subtly sweet caramel undertones to finish.
Caffeine Level: A typical cup of hojicha tea contains approximately 7 to 10 mg of caffeine.
Benefits of Bancha Houghi Cha
The benefits of Bancha Houghi Cha extend beyond its delightful taste and unique brewing technique. This Japanese Tea is a treasure trove of health benefits, enhancing overall wellbeing with every sip.
Firstly, it serves as a potent antioxidant, thanks to the catechins present in the tea, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation. This can contribute towards a stronger immune system and better protection against chronic diseases.
Secondly, Bancha Houghi Cha can assist in weight management. The tea aids in boosting the metabolism, enabling the body to burn calories more efficiently, which can support weight loss goals when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Thirdly, despite its lower caffeine content compared to other teas, Bancha Houghi Cha can enhance mental alertness and cognitive function, making it a great beverage choice for those seeking to stay focused without experiencing the jittery side effects of too much caffeine.
Additionally, the tea’s calming effect makes it an ideal choice for relaxation and stress relief. Its delightful, sweet flavour and soothing aroma can help to create a sense of tranquility and peace.
In conclusion, Bancha Houghi Cha is not only a delightfully tasteful beverage but also a contributory factor towards a healthier lifestyle.
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