Genmaicha Latte

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).

genmaicha green 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

japanese green tea

– 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

– 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.

genmaicha latte

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

genmaicha

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.

genmaicha tea

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

Genmaicha Latte

Genmaicha is a Japanese green tea blended with roasted brown rice. Top this nutty and warm tea with frothed milk for a comforting and approachable green tea latte. This latte is low in caffeine so it can be enjoyed later in the day, too.
Prep Time 3 minutes
Total Time 3 minutes
Servings 1

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
 

  • 1. 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.
  • 2. Strain or remove the tea leaves. Stir sweetener of choice until dissolved.
  • 3. 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.
  • 4. 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!
Course Tea Latte
Cuisine Japanese
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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!

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