Japanese Hojicha Roasted Bancha Tea

Description: A warm and soothing toasty roasted brew. An earthy nutty aroma with a distinct roasted chestnut flavour. Low caffeine and high antioxidant make this tea perfect for all times of the day.
Hojicha was developed in Kyoto in 1920 and is now hugely popular in Japan and growing in popularity across the rest of the world. Our Hojicha is a bancha style leaf, we only use the last harvest of the season, this allows the leaves to mature and develop their distinctive flavour and more antioxidants. Once picked the tea is treated the same as any other Bancha at first, steamed and rolled. Once ready it is then pot-roasted over a charcoal fire. This process is done at a low heat to releases caffeine and reduces astringency. This turns the once vegetal bright green bancha into a sweeter red-brown almost twig-like leaf.  The wonderful calming toasted chestnut flavour then shines through. 
This tea is a wonderful pallet cleanser and pairs well with many simple dishes, chicken, rice, fish. It is also a wonderful iced tea and can even be added to many recipes. 

Serving Suggestion: Liza drinks this tea just as it comes during her mindfulness sessions, Ryan likes to add honey and pour over ice. For iced drinks brew as for hot but use more tea leaves to make a more intense flavour. Or pop it in your flask and take it into nature on a hike.
For iced drinks either cold brew overnight or brew as for hot but use more tea leaves to make a more intense flavour.

Ingredients: 3rd flush roasted Bancha (Sanbancha Hojicha)
Country of origin: Japan, Kagoshima province
Caffeine content: Low
Antioxidant Level: High
Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy-free, Sugar-free, No artificial colours or flavours.
Prep: 1 heaped teaspoon of tea. 80°C for 3 min