What is Genmaicha?

Genmaicha is a type of tea which is very popular in Japan, made by combining Sencha green tea with toasted rice. Because the rice sometimes puffs into popcorn like shapes, Genmaicha is sometimes known as popcorn tea. In some areas, this Japanese tea is served with Macha, a type of powdered green tea, to enhance the green tea flavor. The slightly grassy, slightly nutty flavor of Genmaicha has long been popular in Japan, and consumers from other nations enjoy this toasted rice tea as well.

In Japanese, “Genmaicha” literally means brown rice tea, as “cha” means tea and “genmai” refers to dark, unhulled rice. Roasted brown rice has a more rich, nutty flavor than hulled grains. Sencha tea is more strongly flavored than some other types of green tea, picked in the spring and steamed immediately after picking and then dried in hot air before being pan roasted. The leaves of Sencha are tightly furled, and have a slightly bittersweet flavor which pairs well with toasted rice.

A legend about Genmaicha says that the tea was invented by accident when the servant of a samurai dropped rice into his master's tea. Infuriated by the contamination, the samurai killed the servant but drank the tea anyway, and was delighted by the unusual flavor. The tea probably has its origins in frugal Japanese housewives, who may have added toasted rice to their tea supplies to stretch them, as rice is much cheaper than green tea.

Like other green teas, Genmaicha will be damaged if it is prepared with boiling water. The tea should be steeped at temperatures between 180-190 degrees Fahrenheit (82-88 degrees Celsius) for three to five minutes. A lower brewing temperature will yield a more rice like flavor, while the higher temperature brings out more green tea notes. As the tea steeps, it will start to turn a rich amber color and will fill the air with the fresh leafy smell of green tea, combined with earthier undertones from the brown rice. Approximately two grams of Genmaicha should be used for every eight ounce cup.

Genmaicha has a slightly sweet and palate cleansing taste. For this reason, the tea is often served between courses or after meals. While Gemaicha was originally only popular in rural Japan, the tea captured the imagination of city dwellers as well and can be found on the menu of most tea gardens and restaurants. Genmaicha can also be found in looseleaf form at many tea shops and grocery stores.