ARIEL Hojicha

ARIEL Japanese Hojicha is a roasted Japanese green tea, available in a 1 kg bulk format for café and specialty retail programmes. Unlike unroasted green teas, Hojicha is roasted at high temperature, producing a toasty, mellow character and a naturally low caffeine content. Kosher certified and distinctive on any loose leaf or Japanese green tea menu.

Tasting Notes

The cup is pale yellow-green and clear despite the dark, roasted leaf – lighter in colour than the dry leaf suggests. The character is smooth and toasty, with a mild earthiness and a clean, non-astringent finish. A strong option for evening service or guests who find standard green teas too sharp.

Origin

Hojicha originates from Japan, traditionally associated with Kyoto, where it was first produced in the 1920s from lower-grade or leftover tea leaves. Roasting bancha or sencha reduces bitterness and caffeine while developing the toasty notes the style is known for. It is now a recognised and distinct category within Japanese green teas.

Brewing

Steep 2.5 g per 200 ml at 70 to 85 °C for 2 to 3 minutes. Lower temperatures preserve the lighter, smoother character; higher temperatures intensify the roasted notes. At this ratio, a 1 kg bag yields approximately 400 portions.

Additional Information

• Ingredients: Japanese whole leaf green tea
• Format: 1 kg bulk loose leaf
• Certifications: Kosher
• Foundation: Humaniterra Foundation
• Type: Green tea (roasted / Hojicha), loose leaf