Honoka — Roasted Hojicha Powder, Uji (50g)

Honoka is roasted hojicha powder, stone-milled in Uji. Honoka (ほのか) means "gentle" or "faint", like a soft fragrance, and that's how this tea feels: green tea leaves slowly roasted until warm and brown, then milled into a fine powder with a toasty, nutty aroma and natural caramel sweetness. It's lower in caffeine than matcha, so it's a lovely choice for afternoons and evenings.

At a glance

• Tea: Roasted green tea powder (hojicha)
• Origin: Roasted and stone-milled in Uji, Kyoto, Japan
• Taste: Toasty, nutty and mellow, with caramel notes and no bitterness
• Best for: Hojicha lattes, evening drinks, baking and desserts
• Caffeine: Lower than matcha
• Size: 50g pouch, about 25 lattes at 2g
• Ingredients: 100% roasted Japanese green tea (hojicha). Nothing added.

How to prepare

Hojicha latte

Sift 2g (1 level teaspoon) into a cup. Add 30–40ml of hot water (around 80–90°C) and whisk into a smooth paste. Top with 150–200ml of steamed milk. The roasted flavour pairs especially well with oat or soy milk, and a little honey or maple syrup.

Hot hojicha tea

Stir 1g (about ½ teaspoon) into 150ml of hot water for a light, toasty cup.

Hojicha chai

Make a hojicha latte, then add a pinch of cinnamon, ginger and cardamom before topping with milk. A favourite with our customers.

On the go

Fill a Mini Matcha Shaker to the line with cold or lukewarm water first, then add 2g of Honoka. Seal and shake for 20 seconds, then pour over cold milk and ice. Avoid hot water, as it can cause the shaker to leak.

Storage

Tea powder is sensitive to light, heat, air and moisture. Reseal tightly after each use, keep it in a cool, dark cupboard, and enjoy within 6–8 weeks of opening for the best aroma.

Questions

What is hojicha?

Hojicha is Japanese green tea that has been roasted. Roasting turns the leaves brown and changes the flavour from fresh and grassy to warm, toasty and nutty, with less bitterness. Hojicha is often spelled houjicha. They're the same tea.

Is hojicha caffeine-free?

No, but it's lower in caffeine than matcha. 

Do you sell larger sizes?

Yes. Honoka is also available in 250g for daily drinkers. Cafés can contact us through our wholesale page for bulk supply.