You may have noticed that matcha and hojicha are often featured on this tea blog. I consume those two Japanese green teas the most, but genmaicha is next in line! Genmaicha is a Japanese green tea blend that can actually be combined with matcha or hojicha for a unique flavour. But I like this tea best on its own. Similar to most teas, genmaicha can be enjoyed a few different ways. The savoury flavours make it great to use as a broth for soups. It can be used to make a warm and toasty green tea latte as well. If you want to change up your usual matcha latte or hojicha latte for another Japanese tea, follow this easy genmaicha latte recipe!
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What is Genmaicha?
Genmaicha is a Japanese green tea that is blended with brown rice. The name literally translates to “brown rice tea” (genmai = brown rice and cha = tea).
The rice is roasted before blending genmaicha. The roasting process is why you can sometimes see popcorn-like pieces in the tea blend.
Popcorn tea is another name people may call genmaicha but it’s just because of the popped grains of rice. Genmaicha does not contain corn.
The Japanese green tea used to make genmaicha is traditionally bancha. But, today genmaicha is also made with sencha or gyokuro.
History
The origins of genmaicha date back to the 15th century in Japan.
When a filler ingredient, like roasted rice, is added to a tea it will lower the cost. Therefore, it is believed that genmaicha became popular with common people as it was not expensive to drink like other teas.
This may also explain why bancha was traditionally used to blend genmaicha as it was cheaper than other Japanese green teas (ie. sencha).
What does genmaicha taste like?
This Japanese green tea blend steeps a beautiful yellow infusion. The green tea is grassy and bright and the rice gives it a toasty and nutty flavour.
The toasted rice actually helps balance the astringency of the green tea. Therefore, genmaicha is a comforting and an approachable green tea.
Genmaicha Latte Ingredient Notes
– Genmaicha
I like to use loose leaf tea for this latte recipe. You can use tea bags instead though. Similar to matcha and hojicha powder, there is such a thing as genmaicha powder, too. However, that is not needed for this particular recipe. Find some loose leaf genmaicha recommendations below.
My Genmaicha Recommendations
Genmaicha from The Tea Spot
The vegetal flavour from this steamed green tea is balanced by the nutty flavour from the roasted rice. This tea is earthy and described as soothing to the soul as chicken noodle soup.
Genmaicha from California Tea House
This twist on genmaicha is created with imperial gyokuro green tea. The flavour is very clean and crisp with no bitterness.
Genmaicha from Grosche
This is a special blend of Japanese Sencha green tea and fire-toasted rice. The flavour is warm and nutty with a natural sweetness.
– Water
The best water temperature to use when steeping genmaicha is 82°C or 180°F. The tea leaves may burn and steep a bitter cup if the water is too hot.
– Sweetener
You can sweeten this latte with any type of sweetener. However, I really enjoy sweetening my genmaicha latte with brown sugar or honey. Alternatively, you can keep this genmaicha latte sugar free and skip this ingredient all together.
– Milk
Heat the milk before frothing for best results.
Easy Genmaicha Latte Recipe
This recipe is enough for 1 serving. Scroll down for the printable recipe card.
Here is what you will need:
1 tablespoon genmaicha, loose leaf (or 2 tea bags)
½ cup hot water (82°C or 180°F)
1 tablespoon sweetener of choice
¼ cup milk
Directions
Steep genmaicha green tea in a mug with hot water for 3 minutes. The water temperature should be under boiling at about 82°C or 180°F.
Strain or remove the tea leaves. Stir sweetener of choice until dissolved.
Heat and froth milk using a handheld frother or an electric frother. The milk should double in volume. Froth the warm milk until it is thick and cloud-like.
Top the mug of genmaicha green tea with the frothed milk. Garnish with a sprinkle of loose tea leaves and toasted brown rice, if desired. Enjoy!
Genmaicha Latte
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon genmaicha loose leaf (or 2 tea bags)
- ½ cup hot water 82°C or 180°F
- 1 tablespoon sweetener of choice
- ¼ cup milk
Instructions
- Steep genmaicha green tea in a mug with hot water for 3 minutes. The water temperature should be under boiling at about 82°C or 180°F. If the water is hotter than this recommendation, the tea leaves may burn and steep a bitter cup.
- Strain or remove the tea leaves. Stir sweetener of choice until dissolved.
- Heat and froth milk using a handheld frother or an electric frother. The milk should double in volume. Froth the warm milk until it is thick and cloud-like.
- Top the mug of genmaicha green tea with the frothed milk. Garnish with a sprinkle of loose tea leaves and toasted brown rice, if desired. Enjoy!
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Have you tried a genmaicha latte yet? If so, I’d love to read about your experiences in the comments below!
Never thought about doing a genmaicha latte, I love genmaicha it’s one of my top favorites so I’ll have to try this.