Table of Contents
What is Hojicha?
Does Hojicha Have Caffeine?
How Much Caffeine Is in Hojicha?
Benefits of Low-Caffeine Teas
How Hojicha Compares to Other Teas
How to Brew Hojicha
FAQ
Why Does Hojicha Have Less Caffeine?
Does Hojicha Have More Caffeine Than Coffee?
Does Hojicha Keep You Awake?
Final Thoughts
If you’re a tea lover or just curious about Japanese teas, you might wonder if hojicha has caffeine. Hojicha is a roasted green tea known for its comforting aroma and mellow flavor.
Unlike other green teas, producers roast hojicha through a special process that gives it a reddish brown color and a toasty, slightly sweet flavor from carefully selected tea leaves. In this article we will explore what hojicha is, its caffeine content and how it compares to other teas.
What is Hojicha?
Hojicha, sometimes spelled houjicha, is a traditional Japanese green tea that stands out because tea makers roast it instead of steam it. Originated in Japan in the 1920s, a tea merchant created hojicha as a way to use mature leaves, twigs and stems that didn’t fit premium teas.
The roasting process involves heating the tea leaves at high temperatures which changes the color from the typical green of Japanese green teas to a warm reddish brown. This roasting not only changes the appearance but also gives a smooth, nutty and toasty flavor that tastes less grassy and more mellow than other green teas like sencha or gyokuro.
Does Hojicha Have Caffeine?
Yes, hojicha has caffeine but the amount is much lower than many other teas and coffee. Since hojicha is made from the same tea plant (Camellia sinensis) as other green teas, it has caffeine.
However, the roasting process and using mature leaves and twigs reduces the caffeine content significantly. This makes hojicha a great choice for those who want to enjoy the taste of tea without the strong stimulating effects of higher caffeine levels.
Since hojicha is low in caffeine, it’s especially popular among those looking for a gentle, soothing tea for any time of day.
How Much Caffeine Is in Hojicha?
Hojicha has very little caffeine. A standard cup of hojicha brewed with a standard serving size has about 7-20mg of caffeine. That’s much less than a standard cup of coffee which has 95-200mg of caffeine depending on the brew strength.
The type of tea leaves used, the roasting process and brewing time can affect the amount of caffeine in hojicha. For example, teas made from mature leaves and stems have less caffeine than those made from younger leaves. And roasting the leaves at high temperature causes some caffeine to evaporate and reduce its content.
Since hojicha has low caffeine, tea drinkers love it as a flavorful tea with less caffeine, perfect for drinking throughout the day and especially in the evening. This low caffeine content also makes hojicha latte a popular choice for those who want a comforting, creamy drink without the strong stimulating effects of higher caffeine drinks.
Benefits of Low-Caffeine Teas
Many people love low-caffeine teas like hojicha because its naturally lower caffeine makes it a gentle option for the evening. Unlike coffee or black tea which has higher caffeine, hojicha is less likely to cause jitters or interfere with sleep.
It has antioxidants and individual tea catechins and is traditionally enjoyed after meals for its smooth, toasty and comforting flavor. Its aroma and mellow taste is a relaxing tea-drinking experience loved by tea enthusiasts.
How Hojicha Compares to Other Teas
When compared to other Japanese teas, the main differences are in caffeine and flavor:
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Gyokuro: One of the highest quality teas, rich umami flavor and high caffeine.
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Matcha: Powdered green tea leaves, high caffeine and grassy flavor.
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Sencha: Most common green tea in Japan, balanced sweetness and astringency, moderate caffeine.
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Bancha: Made from mature leaves like hojicha but steamed instead of roasted, green color and slightly higher caffeine than hojicha.
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Hojicha: Roasted, reddish brown color and mellow, nutty and toasty flavor, less bitter and more soothing.
So hojicha is perfect for those who are sensitive to caffeine or looking for a comfort drink.
How to Brew Hojicha
Brewing hojicha properly will allow you to enjoy its full flavor and low caffeine. Follow these steps:
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Heat water to 80 to 90 degrees Celsius (176 to 194 degrees Fahrenheit).
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Measure the amount of hojicha leaves or powder you want into your teapot or cup.
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Pour the hot water over the tea leaves.
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Steep for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Don’t steep longer or it will be bitter and lose the creamy notes.
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Pour and enjoy. You can brew hojicha multiple times and each infusion will have a slightly different taste profile from smooth and nutty to rich and toasty.
Try hojicha powder or hojicha latte to experience different textures and flavor intensity. Using a teapot or cup for tea brewing will also make a big difference.
FAQ
Why Does Hojicha Have Less Caffeine?
Hojicha has less caffeine because roasting at high temperatures reduces caffeine, and producers use mature leaves, twigs, and stems that naturally contain less caffeine.
Does Hojicha Have More Caffeine Than Coffee?
No, hojicha has much less caffeine than coffee, usually under 20 mg per cup compared to up to 200 mg in coffee.
Does Hojicha Keep You Awake?
Hojicha’s low caffeine means it’s unlikely to keep you awake, making it a good evening drink for most people.
Final Thoughts
In summary, the hojicha roasted green tea is a delicious and comforting Japanese tea that is low in caffeine. Thanks to its unique roasting process and use of mature leaves and twigs, hojicha roasted green tea offers a smooth, nutty flavor with a toasty aroma and reddish brown color.
Its low caffeine content makes it an excellent choice for tea enthusiasts who want to enjoy the distinctive taste of green tea without the stronger stimulating effects of higher-caffeine drinks like coffee or teas such as matcha and gyokuro.
Whether you want to reduce your caffeine intake or simply enjoy a warm, flavorful tea or a creamy hojicha latte, hojicha makes a delightful addition to your tea collection.
Ready to explore our selection of premium hojicha and other Japanese teas? Visit our tea store now and discover your new favorite brew!
