Tea Blog

You may prefer English Breakfast tea with breakfast, Earl Grey tea with a mid-morning snack, a pot of Mim Estate Darjeeling tea at lunch, or perhaps Ti Kuan Yin oolong tea during an afternoon break. A delicate Adam’s Peak Ceylon white tea might even be your choice before or after dinner.

I enjoy all of those teas as well. But there are times when a cup of genmaicha Japanese green tea with toasted rice feels exactly right.

Over the years, my tea-drinking habits have changed considerably. I once drank almost nothing but Earl Grey. Today, I enjoy dozens of tea styles and usually prefer them without added flavorings. Genmaicha remains one of the few flavored exceptions, along with a well-balanced masala chai and the occasional green tea blended with pomegranate.

My mornings still tend to begin with darker, more robust teas—Keemun, Kenyan black tea, high-grown Ceylon, Assam, Nilgiri, and even Hojicha, whose roasted character often places it in similar company. Beyond that, however, my daily tea selections vary considerably.

So When Is It Time for Genmaicha?

• When your palate needs a break from more intense teas. Genmaicha offers a smooth, gentle character when brewed carefully. Try steeping it for about two minutes in water around 160°F (71°C) to avoid bitterness.
• When enjoying sushi, rice dishes, or other light Japanese-inspired foods. The toasted rice notes complement these flavors particularly well.
• When the day has been hectic, stressful, or full of interruptions and you need a few peaceful moments to yourself.

Getting the Most from Your Genmaicha

Although tea bags offer convenience, genmaicha is especially rewarding when brewed loose leaf. Use a small teapot—something holding roughly 16 ounces of water or less—and pour through a fine mesh infuser or strainer.

Don’t be concerned if the liquor appears slightly cloudy. That’s simply part of the charm of the tea, reflecting the presence of toasted rice and fine tea particles.

I also recommend using a smaller cup than you might normally choose. While many tea mugs hold eight to ten ounces or more, smaller sipping cups encourage a slower pace and allow you to appreciate how the tea changes as it cools.

Start sipping while the tea is hot, then continue as it gradually cools. You may discover different flavors and aromas emerging along the way. Whether or not it changes the tea itself, it often changes the mood of the drinker.

Enjoy!

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