Genmai Green Tea

Genmai Green is our take on genmaicha — green tea blended with puffed brown rice. The rice adds a toasty, nutty flavour that rounds out the green tea's grassiness, making it comforting and easy to drink. It's a popular style in Japan, often served as an everyday tea with meals.

How does it taste

Toasty, nutty, and sweet. The puffed brown rice gives a comforting roasted character — some people say it reminds them of popcorn. The green tea base adds a lighter note underneath. Particularly good for people who find straight green tea too grassy or astringent, since the rice softens everything.

Tea profile

• Taste: Toasty, nutty, sweet
• Type: Blended green tea (genmaicha-style)
• Origin: Fujian, China
• Oxidation: 0% — non-oxidized
• TCM Property: Neutral (平性) — warming and comforting, best in cooler months
• Harvest: Spring 2024
• Ingredients: Puffed brown rice and green tea
• Caffeine: Medium

Brewing instructions

Use 2.5g of tea per 250ml teapot. Water at 80°C. Steep for 3 minutes. This tea is best in a single infusion — the rice flavour fades quickly in re-steeps.

Good as a cold brew too, where the toasty flavour becomes more subtle. See our cold brew guide.

Joanne's notes

At our Tea Bar, Genmai Green is one of the teas people pick when they want something warming and uncomplicated. The toasted rice aroma is comforting. It's also a good option if you find some green teas too strong or bitter, since the rice mellows everything out.

Storage

Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place away from light and moisture.

Frequently asked questions

What is genmaicha (genmai green tea)?
Genmaicha is a Japanese-style blend of green tea and puffed brown rice. Ours, Genmai Green, uses a green tea base from Fujian with toasted rice mixed through, which adds a nutty, popcorn-like aroma and softens the green tea's grassiness. It's an easy, everyday tea, often drunk with meals.

Does genmai green tea have caffeine?
Yes — a moderate amount, from the green tea base. The toasted rice itself is caffeine-free, so genmaicha is often a gentler option than a straight, leaf-only green tea. It still has caffeine, so it suits daytime rather than late evening.

How do I brew genmai green tea?
Use about 2.5g per 250ml, water at 80°C, and steep 3 minutes. It's best as a single infusion — the toasted rice flavour fades quickly on re-steeps.

Why is there roasted rice in it?
The toasted brown rice rounds out the green tea with a warm, nutty sweetness — some people say it reminds them of popcorn — and softens any grassiness or astringency. That's what makes it such a comforting, uncomplicated cup.

Can I cold brew it?
Yes. Cold brewing keeps the green tea smooth and makes the toasted rice note more subtle. See our cold brew guide, or browse more options in our green tea collection.