There is a scent of novelty that invades the coffee shops: thehojicha latte, the Japanese tea with a unique charm, is conquering everyone! This enveloping mix of roasted green tea and milk It's a real treat, sure to please those seeking smooth flavors and those seeking a break from the usual matcha or classic coffee.
Its origin? Directed by JapanHojicha is made by roasting green tea leaves, which gives it its warm color and distinctive aroma reminiscent of hazelnut notes. Today, it's found on the coolest menus, even among those who avoid caffeine, because hojicha contains very little caffeine compared to traditional tea or coffee.
Choosing a hojicha latte means embracing a delicate yet bold beverage. Perfect for those who want to discover new flavors, enjoy a relaxing moment, or simply sample a trend straight from Tokyo. Get ready, because this cup already smells like a new obsession!
What is Hojicha?
Hojicha is much more than just a green tea. It smells of ancient stories and tastes of comfort, just what you'd expect from a tradition that comes straight from the heart of Japan. In this section, we dive into the world of hojicha, from its origins to the sensory characteristics that make it inimitable.
Origins and history of hojicha
Hojicha originated in Kyoto in the 20s, during one of the most vibrant periods of Japanese art and culture. Legend has it that a tea seller experimented with roasting unsold bancha leaves using a traditional pan. Within moments, a new aroma filled the air: warm, toasted, and enveloping. From there, it was an immediate success, and hojicha found its place in everyday life, served in homes, ryokans, and cafes across the country.
Hojicha continues to be a favorite today for its surprising ability to blend tradition and modernity in every sip. It has become a symbol of hospitality and simple pleasure, evoking childhood memories and scenes of conviviality.
How hojicha is made
Unlike other green teas like matcha or sencha, hojicha is the result of a unique transformation: roasting. The process often begins with mature bancha leaves but can also include sencha or kukicha (tea twigs). The leaves are:
- Dry gently,
- Toast at a temperature between 150ºC and 200ºC,
- Cool and package immediately afterwards to preserve all the aroma.
This simple yet ingenious step changes everything: the color of the leaves turns from bright green to coppery brown, while the flavor warms with notes of hazelnut, caramel, and sometimes a vague hint of cocoa.
Differences with other Japanese green teas
In the panorama of Japanese teas, hojicha immediately stands out for some key differences:
- ColorWhile sencha and matcha are deep green, hojicha is amber, almost chocolatey.
- AROMA: the aroma is round and enveloping, with toasted notes similar to those of almonds or warm bread.
- Caffeine content: very low, often less than 10 mg per cup, perfect for those seeking relaxation without the jitters.
- MouthfeelHojicha is smooth and lacks the typical astringency of many green teas, making it accessible even to the most sensitive palates.
Just one sip is enough to understand that hojicha plays a game all its own: it is not just a “roasted green tea”, but a warming cuddle.
Organoleptic properties: taste and aroma
Hojicha wins you over with its unique bouquet, the result of the roasting it releases:
- Notes of hazelnut and caramel,
- Aromas reminiscent of bark, lightly burnt wood,
- Sweet and almost biscuit-like facets.
In the cup, it's light, with a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the milk, never overpowering its flavor. No bitter aftertaste or metallic sensations: just warmth and delicacy.
Those who love enveloping flavors will be immediately struck by the roundness of hojicha, which transforms the tea ritual into a moment of pure pleasure.
Nutritional properties and benefits
Besides being delicious, hojicha also brings concrete benefits:
- Low caffeine content: also suitable in the evening or during a relaxing break.
- Rich in antioxidants: although less than traditional green tea, it still contains catechins and polyphenols useful for well-being.
- Few calories: drunk without sugar, practically zero, perfect for those following a light diet.
- Gentle on the stomach: roasting reduces acidity, avoiding digestive discomfort.
Thanks to these qualities, hojicha is often chosen even by children and people who are more sensitive to the effects of caffeine.
In short, hojicha is a small Japanese masterpiece that combines taste, history, and well-being in a single cup, ready to transform every break into an experience to remember.
Making Hojicha Latte at Home
To say that making a hojicha latte at home is easy is almost an understatement: it's one of those little rituals that transforms your kitchen into a Tokyo café and pampers you with enveloping aromas. Just follow a few steps to recreate that creamy, fragrant cup that conquers every tea lover. And if you like to experiment, the variations are endless! Ready to feel like a barista for a day?
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
To make a hojicha latte that rivals the best coffee shops, you only need a few select ingredients and a few simple tools you already have in your kitchen.
Basic ingredients:
- 1–2 teaspoons hojicha powder or 5 g toasted hojicha leaves
- 200 ml of milk (cow, soy, oat or almond)
- 1–2 teaspoons sugar, honey, maple syrup, or sweetener to taste
Useful tools:
- Milk frother or hand whisk
- Kettle or saucepan
- Large cup
- Fine sieve (if using powder)
- Strainer (if you start with leaves)
You don't need barista equipment: all you need is a little precision, a favorite cup, and the desire to treat yourself to a special break.
- 🌿 HOJICHA TEA POWDER - Very popular in Japan, hojicha or houjicha is a tea...
- 🍫 COMFORTABLE - Its chocolate-like color and rich flavor make it...
- 🌿 DEEP ROASTED HOJICHA TEA - Our hojicha is roasted for 5 minutes at...
Steps for a Perfect Preparation
The secret is to respect the timing and temperatures, leaving room for the intense aroma of the hojicha, which releases its best when it meets the warm milk.
- Prepare the Hojicha: If using the powder, sift it directly into the cup. If using the leaves, heat them in water at 85°–90°C for 2–3 minutes, then strain the liquid.
- Sweeten (optional): Add sugar or your favorite sweetener while the hojicha is still warm, so it dissolves better.
- Heat the milk: Bring the milk to just below boiling point, without actually boiling it: it should be hot but not scalding.
- Froth the Milk: Use a whisk or hand whisk to create a light foam. If you don't have any tools, you can shake the hot milk in a jar with a lid!
- Put it All Together: First pour the hojicha (liquid or powdered) into the cup, then add the hot, frothed milk. Stir gently and, if desired, garnish with a sprinkling of hojicha powder on top of the foam.
Preparing it is a small pleasure that satisfies those who love delicate flavors and those looking for a delicious alternative to the usual cappuccino.
Tips for Variations and Customizations
Want to make hojicha latte even more yours? There are many options for customizing this drink, whether you're vegan, a spice lover, or simply want a seasonal version.
- Vegan and Lactose-Free Version: Replace the cow's milk with oat, soy, or almond milk. Oat milk enhances the hojicha's natural sweetness, soy milk makes it creamier, and almond milk adds an even more toasted note.
- Alternative Sweeteners: If you want to avoid refined sugar, try honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar, or erythritol for a lighter version. A particularly good pairing is with chestnut honey, perfect for enhancing the toasted notes of hojicha.
- Spices & Flavorings: Want a spicy twist? Add a pinch of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, or a touch of vanilla powder. It doesn't take much to transform your cup and give it a warm, almost Christmassy scent.
- Toppings and Decorations: Finish your hojicha latte with a dusting of cocoa, chopped hazelnuts, or a little grated orange zest. Even a simple dusting of raw sugar on top of the foam adds a pleasant crunch.
- Seasonal Variations: In the summer, you can serve hojicha latte cold: brew the tea, let it cool, and froth the cold milk for a refreshing, thirst-quenching iced version. In the winter, dare to add a little whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel for an even more indulgent treat.
Customizing your hojicha latte is easy and fun: each variation says a little about you and transforms a simple drink into a truly enjoyable ritual. Experiment, taste, and find the combination that makes you feel at home with every sip!
Benefits and Curiosities about Hojicha Latte
Anyone who tries a hojicha latte immediately understands that it's more than just a "trendy" drink: there's a boost of well-being and curiosity that makes it irresistible. It's not just delicious to drink, it can also surprise you and make you choose your next cup more consciously. Let's explore why hojicha latte truly deserves its place among our daily rituals, with concrete benefits and curious anecdotes from Japan.
Benefits of Hojicha Latte Compared to Coffee and Other Teas
The appeal of hojicha latte goes beyond its flavor: it's a smart choice for any time of day. Those who want to cut back on caffeine without sacrificing a tasty break will find the perfect solution here. Here are the reasons that make the difference:
- Ultra-low caffeineA cup of hojicha latte contains less than 10 mg of caffeine. Coffee has nearly 100 mg, and regular green tea has between 25 and 50 mg. This means you can drink hojicha even in the evening without losing sleep.
- No fussNo racing heartbeat or jittery feeling typical of coffee. Hojicha is a relaxing treat, perfect for those sensitive to stimulants.
- Also good for childrenIn Japan, many children drink hojicha as a snack due to its delicate taste. Pregnant women can also usually indulge in it, with the doctor's advice.
- Gentle on the stomachCompared to coffee, hojicha is less acidic and doesn't cause digestive discomfort. Even those who suffer from acid reflux find peace in a cup of hojicha latte.
- Rich in antioxidantsRoasting slightly reduces the amount of catechins compared to natural green tea, but useful polyphenols remain that help fight free radicals and give a sense of lightness.
Those who frequently suffer from coffee anxiety will find hojicha latte a real game-changer. Its relaxing effect is immediately noticeable and pairs well with tired days or quiet evenings spent with a good book.
Fun Fact: Hojicha Latte in Japan Today
Hojicha latte has its roots in tradition, but in Japan it has become a deeply rooted symbol of modernity. Its journey from the homes of Kyoto to the most Instagrammable spots in Tokyo demonstrates its versatility and popularity. Let's see how it's enjoyed today:
- Snack drinkIn Japan, many children drink hot or cold hojicha, accompanied by cookies or rice cakes (mochi and dorayaki). It's the perfect companion for a light yet tasty break.
- Seasonality and socialityIn summer, it's also available chilled with ice. In winter, however, it's enriched with milk and becomes a comfort drink enjoyed with friends in traditional Japanese cafes (kissaten and modern cafés).
- In traditional and modern dessertsHojicha is also conquering pastry shops: ice cream, panna cotta, tiramisu, even chocolates and filled mochi. In Japan, there are even "hojicha frappé" and "hojicha cheesecake"!
- Signature drinks in cafésMore and more bars in Tokyo are offering creative versions: cold brew hojicha, cappuccinos with soy milk, pairings with yuzu honey, or adding whipped cream and hazelnut flakes for a wow factor.
Food Pairings That Surprise
If you think hojicha latte is only for drinking on its own, think again! Here are some pairings that delight even the most curious palates in Japan (and beyond):
- With Japanese sweetsDango, wagashi, mochi, dorayaki: all the classic rice or red bean paste sweets pair perfectly with the toasted aroma of hojicha latte. The contrast between the sweetness and the nutty flavor is pure balance.
- With Western dessertsButter biscuits, fruit tarts, tiramisu, or Carnival chiacchiere: the toasted flavor of hojicha enhances desserts without overpowering them.
- Salty? Why not!Try it with whole-wheat toast, fresh cheeses, and light ricotta. Even a savory spinach tart takes on a special touch when paired with a fragrant cup of hojicha latte.
Consumption and Modern “Rites”: Not Just a Drink
Hojicha latte has become a small ritual even outside of Japan. Those who make it at home play with the foam, add creative toppings, or enjoy it with a scented candle lit nearby. Many cafés organize "hojicha latte art," where the foam is transformed into small masterpieces to photograph and share.
- Instagram and TikTokThe cup of hojicha latte, often decorated with foam hearts or chopped hazelnuts, has become a must-have on the social media profiles of those who love discovering new drinks and healthy trends.
- Themed workshopsIn some cities, courses are offered to learn the art of perfecting it or to discover how to pair it with modern desserts. An experience that combines flavor, craftsmanship, and sharing.
Every sip of hojicha latte evokes a desire for something delicious and different, without rushing or sacrificing anything. It's a refreshing break that's a joy and takes you everywhere, from tradition to the coolest trends.
Conclusions
Hojicha latte is the perfect choice for those seeking a refreshingly flavorful break without sacrificing comfort and well-being. It offers a rich, light flavor and a toasted, nutty note that captivates from the first sip. Thanks to its low caffeine content, you can enjoy it anytime and pair it with desserts and snacks without a care in the world.
Today, it's worth trying a cup of hojicha latte at home, experimenting with different milks, creative toppings, or a touch of spice. If you already have your favorite recipe or a variation to recommend, share it in the comments below: your experience could inspire the next trend.
The magic of hojicha latte lies here: a simple ritual that combines tradition and modernity, bringing ideas, memories, and the desire for something truly good to the cup.
Thanks for reading to the end! Tell us your story... and let yourself be surprised every day by this special little Japanese treat.
