Houjicha Sarsaparilla

Origin: Shizuoka and Kagoshima Prefectures, Japan  
Cultivar: Yabukita 
Harvest: May 2022 
Elevation: 300m 

This winter we are releasing 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 only the first flush harvested stems from sencha and kukicha. These stems have amino acids, polysaccharides and tender fibers that when roasted with skill provide a deep sweetness, rich mouthfeel and a heady aroma.

This batch of houjicha is warming and toasty with a deep tea taste and notes of caramel, kuromitsu, dark chocolate, and espresso bean. We added a small percentage of Indian sarsaparilla with irresistible flavor notes of vanilla cream, root beer, sassafras and sweet rose with woodsy and floral accents. Houjicha Sarsaparilla is brimming with warm nostalgia and amazing aromas.

Traditional Preparation

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.