In Japan, it's commonly drunk after meals and in the late afternoon. It combines tea and rice, reaching a light yellow color. Its flavor is of toasted grain, with a vegetal note and a certain astringency. In this post, you'll learn about Genmaicha tea , its flavor, uses, and recipes.

There are many versions of how this tea came to be. One tells of a samurai servant who, while serving tea to his master, dropped a grain of rice into it. Enraged, his master had him executed, but he didn't throw away the tea; he drank it and found it very pleasant. From that moment on, he requested that his tea include rice and called it Genmaicha, in honor of his executed servant, who bore the name Genmai.

What is Genmaicha tea?

This type of tea contains green tea and toasted grains, mostly rice. It has an intense, vegetal flavor that it acquires when steamed. Other grains it can be made with include corn, wheat, etc. However, it's usually rice, but don't think of it as raw rice, but rather toasted rice that hasn't been previously cooked.

To make Genmaicha tea, whole rice grains are roasted in a rotating drum at a temperature of 150°C for a few minutes. Some people sweeten it with sugar or starch to give it a sweet taste. Occasionally, these grains burst due to the heat, revealing white grains called Hana, which are used solely to decorate the tea.

Flavors of Genmaicha tea

It's not known which Genmaicha tea is the best; it's known to use green tea and toasted rice in its preparation. However, other Japanese green teas can be used, such as Sencha green tea , Bancha, and Gyokuro tea . It's usually the first two, because it's embarrassing to use Gyokuro; it's like using a good wine to make sangria.

The toasted rice added to the tea is used to give it a distinctively sweet flavor. There is another flavor of Genmaicha, the matcha-irigenmaicha variant, to which matcha tea has been added, and its flavor and color are more potent than green tea.

Properties of Genmaicha tea

Some of the properties of Genmaicha tea are:

• It's a tea with very little bitterness and low caffeine. The Japanese rice used to make this tea contains a component called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which helps lower cholesterol and prevent diabetes, obesity, and atherosclerosis.
• It is also rich in antioxidants, including: polyphenols, catechins, gallic acid, carotenoids and ascorbic acid.
• It does not contain gluten, so it is recommended for allergy sufferers and there is no need to worry about it causing indigestion.
• It has vitamins A, B, C, D and E, as well as niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, iron and calcium.
• It has very low theine.

At Tétique, our passion for green tea has led us to offer a variety of options to suit every palate. In addition to Genmaicha green tea, we also offer other delicious varieties that you're sure to love.

For those looking for an energy boost and a distinctive flavor, we have matcha green tea , a fine and vibrant powder of green tea leaves. Its smooth texture and unique flavor profile make this a popular choice among tea lovers.

If you prefer a floral touch, we invite you to try our jasmine green tea , a captivating combination of green tea leaves and jasmine flowers. Its exquisite fragrance and delicate flavor will transport you to an oasis of calm and serenity.

Last but not least is the famous Gunpowder green tea . This tea, with its leaves rolled into small balls, offers a robust flavor and a deep green infusion. It's perfect for those looking for a full-bodied tea with a distinctive character.

At Tétique, we are pleased to offer these diverse varieties of green tea so you can explore and discover your favorites. Try our selections and let the aroma and flavor envelop you in an unparalleled tea experience.

Benefits of Genmaicha tea

Some of the benefits of Genmaicha tea are:

• Fights cancer. Its antioxidants help inhibit cancer cells. Green tea has more antioxidants than black tea, so its action against free radicals is more effective. Therefore, green tea minimizes the development of skin, esophageal, lung, liver, kidney, stomach, and prostate cancer.
• Prevents cardiovascular disease. According to a study on the effect of tea on cardiovascular disease, drinking three cups of tea a day reduced the likelihood of suffering a heart attack by 11%.
• Reduces stress. Genmaicha tea produces relaxation and tranquility, thanks to its theanine component, which helps the brain relax. In fact, it is recommended for people suffering from emotional disorders.
• For constipation. Containing both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber, it is excellent for treating this type of problem.
• A group of Japanese researchers discovered that the brown rice in this tea contains a substance called gamma-aryzanol, which has positive effects on pancreatic cells. It's excellent for treating diabetes because this substance increases insulin activity up to 15 times.

Contraindications of Genmaicha tea

The contraindications of Genmaicha tea are similar to those of green tea, including nausea and stomach upset. Furthermore, its caffeine content can cause sleep problems, irritability, and nervousness. Excessive consumption can cause liver toxicity.

Green tea can also decrease iron absorption. If you take iron supplements and want to drink Genmaicha tea, do so two hours before and four hours after taking the supplement.

As for whether it is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women to drink it, it is best to consult a doctor.

If green tea isn't an option for you, at Tétique we recommend our rooibos infusion . This delicious alternative is caffeine-free and has a smooth, comforting flavor you'll love.

Rooibos is a South African plant known for its relaxing properties and health benefits. Its infusion is rich in antioxidants and has been associated with improved sleep quality and digestion.

Genmaicha Tea Recipe

Genmaicha tea only takes 10 minutes to prepare and is for 4 people.

Ingredients:

• Two tablespoons of brown rice.
• Four cups of water.

Preparation method:

1. You should start toasting the rice, to do this you should use a frying pan and place it over medium-high heat.
2. Then, transfer to a saucepan and add the water. Let it boil.
3. Cover and continue cooking over low heat for one minute.
4. Remove from heat and let it infuse for 3 minutes.
5. Next, add the tea and let it steep for another 3 minutes.
6. Strain and serve hot.

If you want to know more about Genmaicha tea, we invite you to watch " 5 O'Clock Tea with Jessica ."

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