Organic Genmaicha – Japanese Green Tea with Roasted Rice – 100 g

Organic Genmaicha: The Essentials

Genmaicha is a Japanese green tea blended with roasted rice, some of whose grains pop during brewing like popcorn, hence its English nickname, “popcorn tea.” Our Tisane Addict selection combines organic green tea and roasted rice, both harvested in Japan, in a 100-gram resealable bag. The brew is golden yellow, full-bodied, and comforting, with notes of hazelnut, toasted grain, and a hint of fresh herbaceousness. Since rice replaces part of the tea leaves, genmaicha is naturally lower in caffeine than a traditional green tea when brewed in equal amounts. Steep for 2 to 4 minutes in water at 60–75 °C—never boiling—using about 10 g per liter.

From the people's tea to the darling of tea rooms

The history of genmaicha is the story of a clever trick that became a tradition: in Japan, green tea was once blended with roasted rice to make it more affordable, which earned it the reputation of being the «people’s tea» for a long time. As luck would have it, the roasted rice adds a nutty, grainy richness that the tea leaves alone lack, and this blend—born out of necessity—has become one of the world’s most beloved Japanese teas, served today in the finest tea houses.

Its name tells you everything about its recipe: genmaicha, literally «brown rice tea.» In the tea bag, green leaves and golden grains mingle, dotted with a few grains that have burst open into tiny white flowers—the visual signature of genmaicha. In the cup, the balance is immediate: the fresh, grassy notes of Japanese green tea, the toasty roundness of the rice, and that smooth, easy-drinking quality that makes it a tea for any occasion, including mealtimes.

Our Tisane Addict review of this organic Genmaicha

We were looking for a genmaicha that strikes the right balance between tea leaves and rice, and this one has it: enough tea for freshness and body, enough rice for that toasty roundness that makes the blend so charming, and a few grains bursting open into white flowers—a sign of properly roasted rice. The brew is golden and smooth, with no bitterness when brewed at the right temperature, and a lingering note of toasted grain that evokes both hazelnut and bread crust. This is the tea we serve to green tea skeptics—it wins them over with the very first sip.

A quick note on the packaging: the 100-gram resealable doypack effectively preserves the toasty aromas, which are the first to fade in a tea of this style. Squeeze out the air before resealing the zip, and your genmaicha will retain its aromatic crunch right down to the bottom of the pouch.

Our Favorite Ways to Enjoy It

The golden rule for genmaicha, as with all Japanese green teas: never use boiling water. Use about 10 g per liter (two heaping teaspoons for a large cup), water between 60 and 75 °C, and steep for 2 to 4 minutes depending on the desired strength: hotter or longer steeping brings out the toasty notes; a milder brew highlights the fresh, vegetal flavor. And to ensure your 100-gram bag stays at its best until the very end, check out our guide on the Storing Tea explains the best practices for storage.

Product references

What exactly is genmaicha?

It is a traditional Japanese tea that blends green tea and roasted rice. Its name breaks down into gen-mai-cha, literally «whole-grain rice tea.» Originally created as an economical tea, in which the rice stretched out the tea leaves, it has become one of Japan’s most popular teas thanks to its unique, nutty flavor.

Why is genmaicha called "popcorn tea"?

During roasting, some rice grains pop and open up into small white flowers, just like miniature popcorn. These popped grains, clearly visible in the blend, are the hallmark of genmaicha and have earned it this nickname in the English-speaking world.

What does organic genmaicha taste like?

A round, comforting, golden cup with notes of hazelnut and toasted grain, enhanced by a fresh, herbal touch from the green tea. It’s a gentle, very approachable tea, often enjoyed by those who find classic green teas too bitter.

Does genmaicha contain a lot of caffeine?

Like all green teas, it contains caffeine, but less than a pure green tea in the same amount: roasted rice, which is naturally caffeine-free, replaces part of the tea leaves in each spoonful. This is what makes it a tea that can be enjoyed well into the late afternoon, when other teas become too strong.

How do you prepare organic genmaicha?

Use about 10 g per liter—or two heaping teaspoons for a large cup—in water between 60 and 75 °C, never boiling: this is the golden rule for Japanese green teas. Let it steep for 2 to 4 minutes, depending on the desired strength. For cold brew, a few hours in the refrigerator will yield a very mild, cereal-flavored iced tea.

What should you pair genmaicha with at the table?

This is the quintessential Japanese meal tea: it pairs well with rice, fish, sushi, and savory dishes without overpowering them, and its toasty notes complement grilled flavors. As an afternoon treat, its nutty notes pair naturally with cookies, almond pastries, and milk chocolate.