Genmaicha

Genmaicha combines green tea (typically bancha or sencha) with roasted and popped brown rice, creating a uniquely nutty, toasty flavor. Originally a way to stretch expensive tea with cheaper rice filler, it has become beloved in its own right. The popped rice resembles tiny popcorn and adds a warm, comforting grain character to the grassy green tea base.

Recommended vessel: Kyusu or ceramic teapot

The toasted rice component handles higher temperatures than pure green tea. Brew quickly at 85°C to get both the grassy green tea character and the nutty rice flavor. Only 2 good infusions; the rice loses flavor after the first steep.