Houjicha Cacao

Origin: Shizuoka and Kagoshima Prefectures, Japan 
Cultivar: Yabukita 
Harvest: May 2022 (roasted in February 2023) 
Elevation: 300m 

 This winter we developed a series of unique houjicha blends that are warming and comforting. Houjicha is a category of Japanese green tea defined by its level of roasting. Green tea leaves and stems are hot roasted and transformed by way of the Maillard reaction, similar to the caramelization of a properly baked sweet potato or striking the right roast in coffee or cocoa.

We selected a deeply roasted and sweet lot of houjicha made from the prime first flush harvest. This lot provides a deep sweetness, rich mouthfeel and a heady aroma. Combined with artisan roasted cacao nibs and shells, this houjicha is warming and toasty with a deep and sweet tea taste accented by notes of caramel, kuromitsu, dark chocolate and espresso beans. This blend is brimming with warm nostalgia and amazing aromas.

Add 4g−5g to a small (200ml−290ml) kyusu teapot.  
Use 190°F water.  
Infuse for 1−2 minutes and decant.  
Repeat for another 1−2 infusions for 1 minute.