What is the Difference between Matcha and Hojicha?

What is the Difference between Matcha and Hojicha?

The name Hojicha comes from the Japanese words for “roast” and “tea”, and as the name states it is a type of green tea that is roasted at high temperatures...

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What is Hojicha?

The name Hojicha comes from the Japanese words for “roast” and “tea”, and as the name states it is a type of green tea that is roasted at high temperatures over charcoal after they is picked. By roasting the green tea leaves allows for the Hojicha to have an earthy and toasty aroma and a reddish-brown colour, creating a unique way to enjoy Japanese green tea. Once prepared for drinking, expect the Hojicha tea to have a rich, smoky, nutty taste, that is less bitter and naturally sweet, compared to other forms of green tea.

Matcha Society Single Cultivar Uji Hojicha Swatch

Product in feature: Matcha Society's Single Cultivar Uji Hojicha 50g

Is Hojicha good for your health?

Like many forms of tea, Hojicha benefits your health in different ways, such as helping with digestion, strengthening your immune system, and helping with your metabolism. In addition to this, due to the fact that the green tea leaves are roasted, Hojicha contains lesser caffeine levels than other forms of green tea and coffee. This makes Hojicha a great option for those who are sensitive to caffeine or those who want to lessen their caffeine intake. 

Matcha Society Uji Hojicha Swatch

Product in feature: Matcha Society's Uji Hojicha 50g

Hojicha vs Matcha

While both Hojicha and Matcha come from the same green tea leaves, they are highly different in taste, smell, appearance, and even health benefits. Due to how Hojicha is roasted, it is toasty in smell and taste, creating a unique twist to Green tea. On the other hand, Matcha provides an umami, vegetal, but slightly sweet taste, harbouring a rich green colour. Other than their taste profiles, both forms of green tea differ in caffeine levels, with Hojicha having lower caffeine levels as compared to matcha, which is suited for when you want a great pick-me-up to jumpstart your day. 

Hojicha really upholds its name, with its main characteristic being the fact that it is roasted green tea leaves, bringing not only its infamous brown colour but also its toasty, nutty flavour. Hojicha is for those who want a warm, comforting drink to have, perfect for when you want to unwind after a long day.