Hojicha

Our Hojicha is crafted from meticulously selected, clean, and vibrant tea leaves, roasted by seasoned experts to elevate its exceptional quality. Due to the delicate nature of these leaves, the powder has a naturally sticky texture - similar to grinding tender baby spinach with a mortar and pestle. Whisking is essential to achieve its signature smooth, velvety consistency. A traditional bamboo whisk transforms the process into a mindful, meditative ritual, while an electric frother offers a quick and effortless alternative. This simple yet crucial step unlocks the luxurious mouthfeel of premium Hojicha.

A common misconception about Hojicha powder is its "mixability" in water. Unlike sugar, it doesn’t dissolve but remains suspended, as it’s made from finely milled whole tea leaves. Some natural settling may occur over time - simply give your cup a gentle swirl or stir to restore the suspension. In fact, unusually high mixability can indicate lower-quality leaves, subpar grinding methods, or even added fillers like tapioca. If the powder completely dissolves, it may not be true tea at all, but rather a freeze-dried liquid.

For the richest flavor and aroma, we recommend using pure water heated to 185°F, a slightly higher temperature than matcha, to enhance Hojicha's signature warm, toasty notes.

For step-by-step guidance on preparing your hojicha for the best flavor and texture, check out our green tea preparation guide.

Absolutely! Hojicha is versatile and can be used in various recipes, including smoothies, baked goods, and savory dishes, adding a unique flavor and nutritional boost. For inspiration, explore our collection of delicious hojicha recipes, perfect for any occasion.

Each single-serving Hojicha stick contains 1 gram or roughly 1/2 tsp.

Each pouch of Hojicha contains a net weight of 75 grams or roughly 2.65 oz.

To help you make informed choices about your tea consumption, here's a comparative look at caffeine content across our tea collection along with other common beverages (per 8 oz serving):

Yu Tea Collection*:

Decaf Sencha : 4 mg

Genmaicha: 5 mg

Decaf Matcha: 6 mg

Sencha: 15 mg

Hojicha: 17 mg

Matcha: 41 mg

Other Beverages:

Decaf Coffee: 2 – 12 mg

Hot Chocolate: 5 – 25 mg

Black Tea: 14 – 61 mg

Brewed Green Tea: 24 – 40 mg

Coffee: 95 – 240 mg

*Note: These values are approximate and may vary slightly depending on the specific batch and growing season.

To retain the freshness and potency of your Yu Tea Hojicha, it's essential to store it away from air, sunlight, moisture, and heat. Follow these steps for optimal preservation:

• Resealable Bags: Our teas come in resealable pouches or individual single-serving sticks for extra convenience and freshness. For pouches, after each use, gently squeeze out the air and reseal the bag securely.
• Alternative Containers: If desired, transfer your tea to a non-clear, air-tight container with a snug-sealing lid to keep it fresh.
• Temperature Control: In warmer climates (average temperatures around 70 °F), store in the fridge if possible. Ensure to bring it to room temperature an hour before use to prevent condensation.

Over time, Hojicha's potency gradually decreases. The "best by" date is set for two years after production to maintain optimal nutritional value and flavor. Tea consumed beyond this period may still be safe to drink but will likely have diminished flavor, aroma, and health benefits. To fully enjoy hojicha's vibrant taste and wellness properties, we recommend consuming it fresh or purchasing a new supply once it's past the best-by date.

By adhering to these storage guidelines, you'll ensure that every cup of Yu Tea you brew is as vibrant and beneficial as the last, celebrating the authentic essence of our meticulously crafted teas.

Yes, we conduct rigorous testing on all our tea products, including Hojicha, to ensure their quality and safety. This includes testing for potential contaminants such as heavy metals like lead. While trace amounts of certain elements can naturally occur in soil, we take every precaution to ensure our teas meet the highest safety standards for food products.

We are committed to transparency and providing safe, high-quality teas to our customers. For more information about contaminants in food, you may find resources like the FDA’s Environmental Contaminants in Food page helpful.

All Yu Tea products are food, not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. As with any food product, we recommend consulting with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have specific health concerns before incorporating our teas into your routine.

While Yu Tea is not a medicinal product, our rigorous standards and the natural health benefits of our teas have earned the trust of many doctors and wellness experts (Here’s a list of some of the experts). Known for its high antioxidant content, purity, and ability to support a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, our teas are a popular choice among health-conscious individuals, which is why many healthcare professionals recommend them.

We take pride in offering teas that align with wellness goals and encourage you to consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice on how our teas can complement your unique needs.

Absolutely! We welcome wholesale inquiries. Simply email us, and we will take care of your needs.

While we cannot make medical claims or provide specific advice, research suggests that green tea, particularly in its powdered form such as Matcha, Sencha Powder, Genmaicha Powder, and Hojicha Powder, offers significant health benefits. Our very own Sencha was the product used in this study. These powdered teas use the whole tea leaf, providing a concentrated source of Catechins - powerful antioxidants studied for their ability to influence biological processes at the DNA and mitochondrial levels. Catechins have been shown to support cellular health, promote proper cell function, and induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in damaged or cancerous cells. Furthermore, studies indicate that Catechins may positively impact telomeres, which are essential for maintaining cellular integrity and longevity.

Thanks to its unique shading process, Matcha is particularly rich in L-theanine, an amino acid known for its calming effects and support of cognitive health. L-theanine has been shown to enhance relaxation, focus, and mental clarity while reducing stress, making it a valuable component of a balanced, health-conscious lifestyle.

As always, we encourage you to consult trusted healthcare professionals for personalized guidance on how tea can best complement your specific needs.

**The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. While we reference scientific studies and research, we do not make medical claims or offer specific health advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and recommendations.