Why Choose Keiko Uchida’s Genmaicha?
We have chosen the very best quality Genmaicha to have in our collection. This tea comes from the prestigious Kyoto tea maker Marukyu Koyamaen, which Keiko has developed a relationship with for many years. Marukyu Koyamaen was established in the late 17th century in Uji in Kyoto and they produce green tea and matcha tea for the Japanese Royal Family.
For the Takachiho Genmaicha tea we offer, only Kabuse cha Sencha is used. Kabuse cha is grown under the shade to produce the gentlest sweetest flavour. Then staff at Marukyu Koyamaen’s own head quarter’s drink this tea every day at tea-time as it is their favourite!
The Origins of Genmaicha Tea
There are various stories about the origins of Genmaicha. One is that before the Second World War, a tea merchant in Kyoto thought it would be a shame to waste the mochi (rice cake) crumbs that were produced during the New Year ceremony, so he roasted them and mixed them with the tea leaves. Another is that in vegetarian cuisine, the crunchy rice grains that remained in the pot after cooking rice were added to the tea.
Whatever its origins, what is certainly behind the idea of Genmaicha is the ingenuity and wisdom of not wasting good food, which was common practice in the Japan’s past, as was the habit of eating all one’s rice without throwing any away, an idea passed down in the popular drinking of Genmaicha today.
The Health Benefits of Genmaicha Tea
Genmaicha is has long been associated with a range of health benefits and life-style improvements.
The raw material for Genmaicha, brown rice, brings the tea the ingredient of γ-oryzanol, which can have positive effects on fending off obesity and diabetes. The brown rice also contains quantities of Vitamin E, which is known for its strong antioxidant effect.
The green tea itself is beneficial too, and is rich in catechins, which have also been linked to good weight management, as well as having high levels of VitaminC.
Another element contained in green tea is theanine, which some studies have associated with helping to create a relaxing effect in the brain. It is believed that in this way, stress and fatigue are relieved, while the ability to concentrate is maintained.
How to Brew the Perfect Genmaicha
Genmaicha generally contains low concentrations of ingredients, so even if you brew them at high temperatures, they will not have a strong or bitter
taste. In fact it is best to brew Genmaicha at a high temperature to bring out its fine aroma.
