Quick answer
Brew genmaicha with water at 160–175°F (70–80°C) and steep for 1–3 minutes. This preserves the delicate Sencha flavor while letting the toasted rice character shine.
Why water temperature matters for genmaicha
Genmaicha is a blend of Sencha green tea and toasted brown rice. The rice adds a nutty, toasty note, but the Sencha base is still a delicate green tea. Using boiling water (212°F/100°C) will scorch the leaves, making the tea bitter and masking the rice toastiness. Cooler water keeps the flavor balanced and smooth.
Choosing your genmaicha
Our Genmaicha uses Sencha grown in Kyoto, Japan, combined with toasted brown rice. The result is a mild, nutty brew with a refreshing finish. It works well hot or chilled, so you can adjust the steeping time depending on how you serve it.
How to brew genmaicha step by step
- Heat the water: Bring fresh, filtered water to a boil, then let it cool slightly. For genmaicha, aim for 160–175°F (70–80°C). If you don't have a thermometer, let boiling water sit for about 30 seconds in the kettle or pour it into the cup and wait another 30 seconds. Water that's too hot will make the tea bitter; too cool and the rice flavor won't develop.
- Measure the tea: Use about 1 teaspoon (2–3 grams) of genmaicha per 8 ounces (240 ml) of water. Adjust to taste: more tea for a stronger brew, less for a lighter cup. Genmaicha is forgiving, so don't stress over exact measurements. Start with this ratio and tweak next time.
- Steep and serve: Pour the hot water over the leaves and steep for 1–3 minutes. A shorter steep (1 minute) gives a lighter, grassier cup; a longer steep (3 minutes) brings out more toasted rice character. Strain or remove the leaves, then serve hot. For iced genmaicha, double the tea amount and steep for 3 minutes, then pour over ice. Taste after 1 minute and decide if you want more toastiness. The leaves can be re-steeped once with slightly hotter water for a second cup.
Product facts
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Genmaicha: This tea is a simple combination of Sencha tea grown in Kyoto, Japan and toasted brown rice. The Kyoto Sencha base gives a smooth, grassy foundation, while the toasted rice adds the signature nutty warmth without overwhelming the tea.
Genmaicha
