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ARIEL Japanese Genmaicha

Green Tea

A traditional Japanese green tea blended with roasted and popped rice – the genmaicha recipe in its classic form. Available in 145 g loose leaf tins for shelf programs and in 1 kg loose leaf bulk for foodservice operations running by the cup. The cup pours a clear pale yellow with a soft, toasty character and a low caffeine profile that suits all-day service. A credible introductory position for guests new to Japanese tea, and a familiar one for those who already know the category.

Tasting Notes

The cup pours a clear pale yellow with a toasty, nutty aroma at the front. Roasted rice leads – warm and grain-forward, almost reminiscent of toasted sesame – while the green tea base contributes a soft vegetal note underneath. Low astringency, low bitterness, and a long, savoury finish. The popped rice grains visible in the loose blend are part of the format's signature visual character.

Blend

Genmaicha is a Japanese green tea blended with roasted brown rice; some grains pop white during roasting, giving the loose blend its characteristic mix of dark green leaves and pale rice. The recipe dates back centuries in Japan, originally as a way to extend a tea ration with available grain. Today it stands on its own as a savoury, toasty cup recognisable across any Japanese tea program. Green tea is naturally rich in antioxidants. The base tea is steamed in the Japanese tradition – not pan-fired – which preserves the bright green character that pairs cleanly with the roasted rice.

Brewing

Steep 2.5 g per 250 ml at 70–85 °C for 2–3 minutes. The lower end of the temperature window suits a shorter steep; the upper end works for a fuller, more savoury cup. Genmaicha is forgiving across this range, which makes it operationally simple for high-turn service environments. At commercial scale, a 1 kg bag yields approximately 400 portions at 2.5 g per cup. Each 250 ml serving contains zero calories.