Prefecture: Kyoto 
Producer: Azuma Chaen
Ingredients: Green tea (sencha and matcha from Uji, Kyoto), glutinous brown rice (domestic) (Caffeine)
Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Soy-free
Size: 40g loose leaf

Genmaicha (lit. brown rice tea) is made from unprocessed brown rice that is soaked, steamed, roasted and popped before being combined in an equal ratio with green tea. The brown rice adds a toasted, nutty flavor and results in a tea with less caffeine.

This genmaicha combines hand-roasted, golden brown mochi rice (glutinous sticky rice), blended with Uji green tea, arguably Japan’s most famous tea. Both sencha and matcha, the prized powdered tea traditionally used in the Japanese tea ceremony, are used to create a dynamic depth of flavor. 

This Uji tea is produced near the Wazuka River in southern Kyoto.The environment and soil are optimal for high quality tea cultivation, which began over 800 years ago. Azuma Chaen, founded in the first year of the Meiji era and in its fourth generation, is one of the 300 family tea farms in the area and grows its tea traditionally without pesticides.
 

How to prepare: To brew 2 cups of genmaicha, place 1½ tbsp of tea in a teapot with a strainer and add 200ml of boiling water. Brew for 1½ mins and serve. Also great for making ochazuke (rice with tea) or paired with an umami rich senbei (rice cracker).