Hojicha: This Herbal Tea Is On Its Way To Take Over Your Daily Matcha Fix

Wait! Don't place that matcha order yet! A new Japanese herbal tea is going to be the next 'wellness girlie' beverage. Hojicha, a roasted green tea with a nutty aroma and a soft, sweet flavour, is making its way to the top of every tea lover's wishlist. And it's not hard to see why. Unlike matcha, with its earthy texture and caffeine kick, hojicha is a more mellow experience that can be enjoyed at any time of the day, even at night. Where matcha is at the city's most happening run club rave, hojicha is quietly reading poetry at a sunlit cafe. 

Originating from Kyoto, hojicha is a staple beverage in many Japanese households, especially as a post-dinner "detox" due to its low caffeine and potential digestive benefits. It is packed with catechins and polyphenols, which promote skin health, support the immune system, and aid in weight management. Moreover, the amino acid L-theanine found in hojicha promotes relaxation and can help reduce stress, according to Kametani. 

Meet matcha's "introverted" bestie, hojicha

As social media is currently peppered with hues of green, in post-pilates brunch photos or aesthetic desk setups, matcha has become a mainstay of the wellness aesthetic. Almost everyone seems to have turned into a tea connoisseur, making matcha whisking ASMR reels or breaking into esoteric conversations about the benefits of the green concoction. 

However, its lesser-known introverted bestie, hojicha, is slowly emerging as a grounded counterpart. What makes hojicha different from other Japanese teas is that it is made by roasting green tea leaves like bancha or sencha at about 150 °C (302 °F) in a porcelain pot over charcoal. A brown, toasty-toned beauty, hojicha is the drink you reach out to unwind.

Many social media users have already started jumping on the hojicha bandwagon, incorporating the tea in unique recipes. Whether consumed hot or cold, hojicha offers a comforting, roasted flavour that blends seamlessly into both drinks and desserts. Its mellow taste pairs well with milk and subtle sweeteners. Hojicha's health benefits and comforting taste make it a win-win!