Hojicha is a relatively young style of Japanese green tea borne out of ingenuity and accessibility. Where tea in early 20th century Japan proved too expensive for the masses, merchants roasted lower grade tea leaves, stems and twigs to provide a delicious and affordable tea to the people.

 

The result? A nourishing tea imbued with the smoky aroma and a lightly sweet fragrance. Today, hojicha stands on its own as a unique and valued tea amongst the traditional Japanese teas.