This houjicha is so flavorful and inviting, and is 100% green tea. But instead of using the leaves, as we do for matcha, it's the stems and branches of the plant that are used. The stems get roasted in big clay pots over a charcoal fire until they turn brown and very aromatic. They then get milled and turned into fine powder. You use a scant gram of this powder to make a cup of tea, using the same matcha frother you're already using. The taste is satisfying -- toasty and roasted flavors meld with classic green tea flavors but with plenty of umami and a long, smoky finish. It's redolent of good toast, hints of hazelnut and brown sugar. We especially enjoy it after dinner / before bed. There are four great things about this houjicha: It's decaf! Well, as close to caffeine-free as decaf coffee is; not 100%, but close. You can drink it anytime and not worry about the caffeine. We get the satisfaction of using the entire plant, not just the leaves for matcha. It feels good to consume these stems. So much better than using them just for compost! Zero waste. Excellent for coffee lovers. The smoky, nutty, roasted flavor profile and aromas are usually a hit with coffee lovers. Very affordable -- roughly 37 cents per serving.
