What is Hojicha?
Hojicha is a traditional Japanese green tea made by roasting leaves and stems in a porcelain pot over charcoal. When finely ground into a micro-powder, it transforms into a smooth, velvety tea with notes of toasted nuts, caramel, and cocoa. Unlike steamed green teas, roasting removes bitterness and creates warm, reddish-brown hue and an approachable flavour profile.
It delivers the same deliberate, mindful preparation ritual as matcha, whisking tea powder into warm water or milk, with a much softer energy profile.
Hojicha vs. Matcha: At a Glance
Hojicha and matcha are like cousins. While both stem from Japanese green tea leaves, the high-heat roasting process creates distinct differences in flavour, appearance, and caffeine content:
| Feature | Hojicha | Matcha |
|---|---|---|
| Flavour | Nutty, roasted, sweet | Earthy, umami, vibrant grassiness |
| Colour | Warm reddish-brown | Vivid green |
| Caffeine | Low (~7.7 mg per serving) | Moderate to high (~70 mg per serving) |
| Process | Roasted at high heat after harvesting | Shade-grown, steamed, and stone-ground raw |
Why Hojicha?
As low-caffeine options become more popular, hojicha fills a crucial gap. High-heat roasting naturally breaks down caffeine molecules, drastically lowering the overall caffeine concentration. It also reduces tannins, making it soft on empty stomachs, and contains trace amounts of L-theanine, promoting relaxed focus without overstimulation.
Perfect Ted Hojicha
From the creators of the UK's #1 matcha brand! Perfect Ted just dropped their brand-new Hojicha Powder, a smooth, rich, roasted Japanese green tea.
