Hojicha Powder (First-Flush / Lightly Roasted)

As the distinctive roasted aroma of hojicha gently rises, a rich, full-bodied depth gracefully follows. Beyond its fragrance, the tea’s natural, rounded umami is beautifully balanced, spreading softly across the palate and leaving a refined, lingering finish.

This distinctive flavor comes from carefully selected first-flush tea leaves. By keeping the roast light and carefully adjusting the temperature and timing, we bring out a smooth, clean roasted character along with the tea’s natural umami. Finely ground, it blends smoothly into hot water or milk, allowing you to enjoy its fragrant, mellow flavor to the last drop.

This hojicha powder began as an experiment during YUGEN’s early days as a tea stand, when powdered hojicha was still uncommon. First introduced as a hojicha latte on our menu, it is now enjoyed in many shops as well as in everyday drinks, sweets, and cooking.

【How to Make a Hojicha Latte】

A simple cup that brings out hojicha’s gentle roasted notes and rich depth.
Easy to prepare and enjoy at home.

■ Ingredients (for 1 serving)

・Hojicha powder : 3g
・Sugar : 5g (adjust to taste)
・Hot water : 50 ml
・Milk: 150 ml (such as cow’s milk, soy milk, or oat milk)

■ Instructions

① Prepare a concentrated hojicha base

Add the hojicha powder, sugar, and hot water to a cup, then mix well with a bamboo whisk(chasen) or stir thoroughly with a muddler or spoon. The key is to make it completely smooth, with no lumps remaining.

*If using a bamboo whisk, first combine the hojicha powder and hot water and whisk well before adding the sugar.

② Add the milk

Pour in warm milk, or cold milk with ice, and gently stir to combine.

■ Tips for a Richer, More Balanced Cup

Using a 2:5 ratio of hojicha base to milk helps maintain a well-balanced flavor, even when making a larger serving. Whisking with a bamboo whisk also creates a fine foam, giving the latte a smoother, creamier texture. You may also adjust the sweetness and strength to suit your taste.

・For baking and adding depth to desserts or dishes

Finely ground hojicha powder is not only easy to mix into water or milk, but also works well in baking and cooking. Its distinctive roasted aroma holds up well to heat, making it a wonderful addition to cakes, cookies, ice cream, and puddings. Even a small amount can bring a refined tea flavor to your everyday recipes.

Through the roasting technique we have carefully preserved over time, this flavor draws out the full potential of carefully selected first-flush tea leaves with clarity and precision. Relying solely on the natural strength of the ingredients, it reflects our unwavering commitment to quality. Whether enjoyed as an everyday cup or used as a creative touch in recipes, please savor this gentle, roasted, and lingering finish to your heart's content.

【 Notice & Storage Instructions 】

・Store unopened tea in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity. For extended storage, keep it sealed, freeze, and let it return to room temperature before opening.

・After opening, place the tea in an airtight, opaque container and keep it in a cool, dark place. For best quality, enjoy as soon as possible, ideally within one month.

・Avoid storing near strongly scented items, as tea easily absorbs odors.