Hojicha's Hot Rise: From Teacup to Trendy Beverage
Green tea, specifically Matcha, has been on a rising trend in recent years, with everyone having their own version of Matcha, be it Latte, Baked goods, cakes, you name it, they have a matcha version of it. But do you know about Hojicha? Hojicha, a kind of roasted green tea that originates in Japan, is now witnessing a spike in popularity, and it is no longer just consumed in the cup that it was traditionally served in.
Traditionally, Hojicha is served in households or restaurants as a welcome drink, so when we serve Hojicha to you, we’re also saying “Irasshaimashe!” or Welcome in Japanese.
Why Hojicha is becoming popular
Hojicha is becoming more popular in beverages such as lattes, cold brews, and even innovative cocktails, an exciting trend we are seeing and observing. This isn't simply a transitory craze — industry studies show a considerable movement towards hojicha-based beverages, especially in the handy RTD (Ready-to-Drink) market. So, what's behind Hojicha's quick rise?
Unlike its green tea cousin, hojicha boasts a smooth, roasted aroma with hints of caramel and toffee. This inviting fragrance makes it a great option for those who find traditional green tea a bit too intense (or you can say, not their cup of tea! 🍵)
Hojicha's Expanding Role in Modern Cafés
Major coffee businesses like Starbucks and specialized cafes are embracing Hojicha's flexibility. Hojicha lattes are quickly becoming a prominent item on the menu since they provide a reassuring and distinctive alternative to the traditional matcha latte. However, it is not the end of the creative process. We're seeing hojicha used in cold brews for a refreshing touch and even sparkling hojicha drinks for a fizzy and pleasant beverage.
Here are the tips for brewing your perfect cup of hojicha:
The best thing about Hojicha is its ease of brewing. Unlike some green teas, hojicha isn't as sensitive to water temperature and will not turn bitter even if you steep it longer, it will instead just get richer and concentrated. Here's a simple guide to get you started:
- Heat water: Aim for a water temperature between 90ºC to 100ºC
- Steep: Use 1 tablespoon of hojicha leaves per cup of water. Steep for 1-2 minutes, depending on your desired strength. You can even steep the leaves multiple times for additional brews.
- Tips: For a richer flavor, try a slightly higher water temperature or a longer steeping time. Experiment and find your perfect cup!
Beyond the brewing basics, remember:
- Loose Leaf vs. Powder: Loose leaf hojicha offers a more nuanced flavor experience. However, hojicha powder is convenient for a quick cup, although best-used applications such as Latte and Baking
- Customization: Hojicha pairs well with milk and sweeteners for a latte-style drink. Experiment with different options to customize your taste.
Tips for Hojicha Latte Delight:
This guide takes our classic recipes and your hojicha to a whole new level, giving you the finest hot or iced hojicha latte every time. Here are our recommended recipes for creating your perfect drink of the day, these recipes are just a guide, do use them as a starting point, and find your best latte recipe!
Hot Hojicha Latte:
We recommend using oat milk for its natural sweetness and creamy texture, but feel free to experiment with your favorite milk!
Ingredients:
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140ml Milk (Oatmilk preferred)
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20ml Hot Water (around 175°F or 80°C)
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4g Hojicha Powder
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10ml Sugar Syrup (or to taste)
Steps of Hot Hojicha Latte:
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Whisk it Smooth: Sift the hojicha powder into a bowl. Add your sugar syrup and hot water. Using a whisk or a handheld frother, whisk until smooth and frothy. This helps ensure a clumpy-free latte.
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Steam & Art: Froth or steam your milk. Then, slowly pour the heated milk over the hojicha mixture and make latte art if you want to.
Iced Hojicha Latte
The perfect choice for a hot day. This iced version is easier to make and it’s refreshing and a perfect drink for the hot Malaysian weather!
Ingredients:
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140ml Milk (Oatmilk preferred)
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50ml Hot Water (around 175°F or 80°C)
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5g Hojicha Powder
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10ml Sugar Syrup (or to taste)
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Cup of Ice
Steps of Iced Hojicha Latte:
- Frothy Foundation: Similar to the hot latte, put the hojicha powder into a bowl. Add your sugar syrup and water. Whisk vigorously until smooth and frothy. This extra step can help create a nice layer over the ice.
- Chill Out: Fill a cup with ice. Add your milk of choice, then gently pour the hojicha mixture over the top.
These steps let you brew an aromatic hojicha base and then blend it with creamy milk for a nice and unique latte. The reduced water temperature for brewing prevents the milk from burning and offers a smooth latte experience.
In addition to being a beverage, the unique flavor characteristics of hojicha are also a source of inspiration for culinary creations. Ice cream shops are producing their product with hojicha.
Hojicha's unique flavor profile, versatility, and potential health benefits make it a rising star in the tea world. Whether you're a tea lover or simply curious to explore new flavors, hojicha is definitely worth a sip. With hojicha, you can steep yourself in a world of culinary possibilities – lattes, cold brews, or a pure cup of delightful comfort. Want to try hojicha? Explore our collection of authentic hojicha bundle collection and find the perfect match for your taste buds!