Genmaicha: Tea of the Month

Our tea of the month is Genmaicha, a Japanese green tea with the unusual addition of toasted rice that subtly transforms it into the perfect winter warmer. This tea is relatively unknown but is a true hidden gem. Those who have tried it know how comforting and relaxing a cup of this can be.

One story goes that in the 15^th century a lowly servant accidentally spilled some grains of rice from up his sleeve into his samurai master’s expensive green tea. The samurai was furious and was about to cut down the servant with his sword, but he tried the tea and found it to be to his liking. In reality it is more likely that the toasted rice was added the expensive green tea in order to bulk it out and make it more affordable. In the past, tea was an expensive luxury that few could afford but by making a little tea go a long way, Genmaicha became the tea of the people. “Genmai” means roasted rice and “Cha” means tea. Although the tea had humble origins, it is now enjoyed worldwide by all segments of society.

As well as making it more affordable in bygone days, the toasted rice also provides a deliciously nutty and toasty flavour. The starch and sugar from the rice give body and full flavour to the tea, and it is said to ease an upset stomach. Japanese monks adopted Genmaicha to drink while fasting for long periods, as it made them feel full and nourished in the absence of food, while also providing a calm and focused caffeine boost to facilitate meditation. Thanks to the presence of theanine and GABA in green tea, the effect of the caffeine on the body is gentle while also decreasing stress by blocking the ‘fight or flight’ receptors.

A particular favourite of our Tea Specialist, Will: “This tea will always hold a special place in my heart. While living in Japan, Genmaicha got me through the long, dark winter. The aroma is so toasty and comforting, and it really warms you throughout. As well as the comfort factor, this tea contains some of the classic Japanese flavours – Sencha and rice are two pillars of this wonderful cuisine, as a result it goes brilliantly with Japanese food.”

As with all green teas, Genmaicha has a number of wonderful health benefits: it is helpful for weight loss, as it speeds up metabolism and makes you feel fuller for longer, it is also helps to balance blood sugar levels – useful if you are trying to stop snacking. Green teas are packed with anti-oxidants such as EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) which may help prevent cancer and reduce the number of free radicals damaging cells in the body. Green tea also has anti-aging properties, and contains brilliant nutrients such as selenium that may help keep the heart and thyroid healthy. Genmaicha also helps reduce bad cholesterol in the body, while at the same time increasing good cholesterol.

We use high quality tea in our blend with carefully toasted rice. The resulting brew is a golden yellow cup that has the distinctive aroma of toasty rice. The flavour is mild and soothing, slightly vegetal with a nutty sweetness. The aftertaste is long and warming, this is the perfect winter tea – you will glow from inside out. It has a lower caffeine level than other green teas so you can wrap your cold hands around a mug of this tea any time of the day.