The whole world has gone matcha crazy, and we don’t expect this craze to go away anytime soon. This powdered green tea from Japan is valued for its health-promoting properties, it is an excellent alternative to coffee, and you can successfully use it in the kitchen. Did you know that there is another powdered tea that can be called a cousin of matcha? It’s hojicha powder with a caramel and chocolate flavor with nutty hints, which is growing in popularity. Get to know it better!
How is hojicha powder made?
To begin with, it is worth recalling that both matcha and hojicha are made from the same plant – camellia sinensis. The different taste and properties of these teas are the result of further processing. After the leaves are harvested and dried, they are segregated according to size, weight and color. Then their stems and nerves are separated.
The production of hojicha, as a leaf tea, is based on a method of roasting the leaves created in 1920 in Kyoto, from where the name “hoji-cha” (ほうじ茶) meaning “roasted tea” is derived. The leaves are then ground into a fine powder and this is how hojicha powder is made.
Out-of-the-ordinary flavour of hojicha powder
In hojicha powder you definitely won’t find the marine aftertaste characteristic of matcha. Properly prepared hojicha powder should also not be bitter.
Like the leafy version, the aroma of hojicha powder is slightly smoky, and the flavor is chocolate and caramel with nutty notes. When the powder is mixed with water, you will get a dark brown colored drink.
A drink perfect for the evening
Hojicha powder, due to its unique production process, is a low-caffeine tea that precipitates during roasting. You can consume it in the evening without worrying about restless sleep.
Hojicha powder is valued mainly for its special taste and aroma, but it also has many health-promoting properties. Along with other Japanese green teas, it is a rich source of catechins and antioxidants
Use hojicha powder in the kitchen
Powdering hojicha has opened up many new possibilities for its preparation. You can successfully make a hojicha latte based on it. The preparation process is similar to the one of a matcha latte and also tastes great served cold or hot. The combination of hojicha powder and milk or vegetable drink is sure to satisfy fans of coffee, or cocoa, for its chocolate and nutty aftertaste. Like matcha, hojicha powder is great in the kitchen, especially as an addition to desserts and pastries. Check out our recipe for hojicha cookies with chocolate chips.
