Japanese Green Tea with Roasted Rice
Commonly known as “popcorn tea.” The natural sugars and starches from the rice give it a warm, sweet, and nutty flavor.
Sushi and Genmaicha? A perfect match!
You might even lose your head over it.
At Piag, we do everything we can—and even what we can’t 😉—to make each cup of our exclusive tea a true synonym of luxurious relaxation.
Japan GenMaiCha – Japanese Green Tea with Roasted Rice
Ingredients: Japanese green tea, roasted brown rice, puffed rice.
Taste: Genmaicha delights with its sweet, nutty aroma, full of roasted rice and popcorn notes. Beneath it, you can still sense the grassy freshness of green tea. The flavor is gentle and balanced—roasted nuts, warm popcorn, and freshly cut grass intertwine, creating a harmonious blend that leaves a refreshing finish.
Wellness: Like all green teas, Genmaicha is rich in antioxidants, helping fight free radicals, support the immune and circulatory systems, and contribute to maintaining a healthy weight. Research also suggests that drinking green tea may be linked to a reduced risk of heart disease.
Packaging: Japan GenMaiCha by Piag Tea comes in an elegant tin that will grace any kitchen. The beautiful design is the work of illustrator and designer Katarzyna Korzeniowska. Each tin is carefully hand-labeled and packed. Everything we do—we do with love.
GenMaiCha – Sky Is the Limit!
Surprised by this combination—tea and rice? We admit, it might sound unusual at first. But life is all about experimenting. If you don’t try, you’ll never know whether the idea was worth it. We believe this one was simply brilliant (even if not ours 😉).
Seriously though—sky is the limit. And that’s the motto we try to live by.
Don’t fear failure, don’t fear the wildest ideas—or, worse, criticism. Do your thing and let your imagination be your guide. So don’t be afraid to try Genmaicha. You won’t be disappointed! This is truly a versatile tea: perfect both hot and iced, and a wonderful pairing for sushi, seafood, vegetables, and light desserts.
Lift yourself to the clouds with Genmaicha!
If you like to know more – curiosities for tea connoisseurs
Genmaicha (玄米茶, "brown rice tea")
Genmaicha is a traditional Japanese green tea blended with roasted brown rice. It is renowned for its unique flavor profile, combining the grassy freshness of green tea with the toasty, nutty aroma of roasted rice.
History and Origins
The history of Genmaicha goes back to the 17th century. Originally, it was consumed mainly by people of lower income in Japan as a way to stretch their supply of more expensive green tea. Adding roasted rice not only lowered the cost, but also created a distinctive taste and texture. Over time, Genmaicha gained popularity across all social classes and became a beloved staple in Japanese households.
Flavor Profile
Genmaicha is known for its smooth, slightly sweet taste, with notes of roasted nuts, popcorn, and a hint of seaweed. The green tea base provides grassy, vegetal undertones, while the roasted rice adds depth and a gentle sweetness. The overall profile is balanced, comforting, and refreshing.
Types of Genmaicha
There are several varieties of Genmaicha, each with its own unique character:
· Standard Genmaicha: The most common type, made with green tea leaves and roasted brown rice.
· Kukicha Genmaicha: Made with kukicha (stems and twigs of the tea plant) instead of tea leaves. It has a lighter, more delicate flavor.
· Matcha-iri Genmaicha: A blend of Genmaicha coated with matcha powder, giving it a stronger, bolder taste and a vivid green hue.
If you enjoy tea stories…
The Legend of the Accidental Spill
There are several legends about the origin of Genmaicha, though they are considered folklore rather than historical fact. The most popular one goes like this:
In the 15th or 17th century, a samurai was strategizing for battle with his servant, a man named Genmai. While pouring his master’s green tea, Genmai accidentally dropped a few grains of brown rice—kept in his sleeve as a snack—into the cup.
The samurai, resourceful as he was, decided to drink it anyway. To their surprise, the combination turned out to be unexpectedly delightful, and thus Genmaicha was born. In some versions of the story, Genmai is remembered as a loyal servant who even sacrificed his life to save his master. Out of gratitude, the samurai named the tea after him.
mixing them with roasted rice, so they could enjoy tea more often. Most likely, the real origin of Genmaicha is tied to the Other tales suggest that poor farmers invented Genmaicha, stretching their expensive tea leaves by simple practice of using roasted rice as a filler during times of scarcity.
Regardless of its true beginnings, Genmaicha remains a delicious and wholesome tea that continues to be cherished around the world.
