What is Genmaicha Tea?

If you’re looking for a new tea to enjoy, then try Genmaicha. Genmaicha is a traditional Japanese green tea that combines sencha or bancha leaves with roasted brown rice.

Commonly known as "brown rice tea," it offers a unique blend of flavours. The green tea leaves provide a fresh, grassy taste, while the roasted rice adds a nutty, toasty note, creating a balanced and wholesome beverage.

Genmaicha is enjoyed by all social classes for its distinctive taste and health benefits; however, historically it was only ever consumed by poorer Japanese folk who used rice as a filler to stretch their tea supply. Compared to other green teas, Genmaicha is lower in caffeine, making it a suitable choice for those sensitive to caffeine or looking for a relaxing drink later in the day. And like most green teas, Genmaicha can be prepared simply by steeping the tea in hot (not boiling) water for a few minutes. It can be enjoyed hot or cold, and its mild flavour pairs well with a variety of foods.

Does Genmaicha Have Caffeine?

Many people new to Genmaicha have questioned whether the tea contains caffeine. And the short answer is yes, Genmaicha does contain caffeine. However, Genmaicha caffeine levels are typically lower compared to other traditional green teas like Sencha or matcha. The caffeine content in Genmaicha comes from the green tea leaves used in its blend, however, the addition of the roasted brown rice, which is caffeine-free, helps to dilute the overall caffeine content, making this tea a milder option. For example, the average cup of Genmaicha contains about 10-30 mg of caffeine, in comparison to a cup of Sencha which has around 20-50 mg.

This lower caffeine content makes Genmaicha a great choice if you’re looking to reduce your caffeine intake while still enjoying the benefits and flavours of green tea. And if you like to indulge in a cup of tea in the afternoon or during the evening, Genmaicha is the perfect option as it is less likely to interfere with sleep compared to more caffeinated teas or coffee. Surprisingly, the health benefits of Genmaicha are still plentiful, irrespective of the fact that it is so low in caffeine.

Can Genmaicha be Decaffeinated?

For those of us who prefer not to consume any caffeine, Genmaicha is still an option.

Genmaicha can be decaffeinated, though it is less common than its caffeinated counterpart.

Decaffeination is typically achieved through methods such as water processing or the use of solvents like ethyl acetate or carbon dioxide. These methods remove most of the caffeine while retaining much of the tea's flavour and beneficial compounds.

Water processing involves soaking the tea leaves in water to extract the caffeine, then filtering the water to remove the caffeine and reintroducing the flavour-rich water back to the leaves. The CO2 method uses carbon dioxide at high pressure to extract caffeine from the tea leaves. Both methods aim to preserve the integrity of the tea's flavour and health benefits.

Decaffeinated Genmaicha offers a similar taste profile to the regular version, combining the grassy, fresh notes of green tea with the nutty, toasty flavour of roasted brown rice. It's the perfect choice for those of you who are highly sensitive to caffeine or prefer to avoid it altogether, such as pregnant women, children, or individuals with certain health conditions.

While decaffeinated Genmaicha may lose some of its antioxidant potency during the decaffeination process, it remains a soothing and enjoyable beverage. It allows us tea drinkers to savour the unique taste of Genmaicha without the stimulating effects of caffeine.

Choose Genmaicha for a Healthy Lifestyle

Genmaicha offers several health benefits which include antioxidants from the green tea and the digestive aid properties of roasted brown rice. The antioxidants help combat free radicals and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases while the roasted brown rice adds dietary fibre, aiding digestion. Additionally, the combination of green tea and brown rice may boost metabolism, support weight management, and improve cardiovascular health.

With Genmaicha caffeine levels being typically lower than most other green teas, it can promote relaxation and may help reduce stress.

Not only is it good for the body, but Genmaicha can be easily incorporated into a busy lifestyle. This green tea is quickly prepared using hot, but not boiling water, with Genmaicha brew time typically being 2-3 minutes. Adjusting the steeping time slightly can help tailor the tea to your own personal taste, but 2-3 minutes is a good general guideline for a balanced and flavourful cup.

At Teavision, our Organic Japanese Genmaicha has everything you could want from a green tea, plus much more. Pumped full of healing antioxidants, this tea is a pleasure to drink with its grassy sweetness and notes of nutty popcorn. This unique combination makes Genmaicha not only a flavourful and aromatic tea but also a balanced and health-conscious choice. 

Reap The Benefits of Genmaicha

A traditional Japanese green tea, Genmaicha is known for its combination of sencha (green tea) with roasted brown rice. Sometimes referred to as "popcorn tea," it has a unique, toasty flavour due to the roasted rice, which adds a nutty and slightly sweet taste that complements the grassy notes of the green tea. This tea is known for its soothing, mild flavour and is often enjoyed as a comforting beverage. Originally, it was consumed by people who couldn't afford pure green tea, as the rice served as a filler. Today, there are many Genmaicha tea benefits, such as boosting immunity, reducing signs of ageing, providing relaxation and much more.

Genmaicha tends to be a popular choice as it is known to have low caffeine levels compared to other green teas. However, if you’re in need of an energy boost, but still want to enjoy the unique taste of Genmaicha, then why not try Genmaicha matcha tea, made up of a mix of sencha, roasted brown rice, and matcha, a finely powdered green tea. With the addition of matcha, Genmaicha benefits those who are looking for that extra caffeine kick or a boost in antioxidants. This fusion also offers a rich, complex flavour: the toasty, nutty notes of Genmaicha are enhanced by the vibrant, umami-rich taste of matcha.

Genmaicha matcha tea is smooth and well-balanced, and a great choice if you’re seeking a soothing yet invigorating beverage with the combined health benefits of both Genmaicha and matcha.

How is Genmaicha Tea Good for You?

Genmaicha tea is renowned for its health benefits, making it the perfect addition to your diet. The combination of green tea and roasted brown rice creates a beverage rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins, which are known for their ability to combat free radicals and potentially reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

So is Genmaicha healthy? In short, yes; extremely so. Genmaicha contains a significant amount of vitamin C and other beneficial compounds that contribute to overall well-being.

One of the primary health benefits that makes Genmaicha so popular is its ability to aid in digestion. The roasted brown rice in the tea may help soothe the digestive system and alleviate bloating, helping to settle your stomach after meals. The tea also has a calming effect on the body due to the presence of the amino acid L-theanine, which promotes relaxation and reduces stress without causing drowsiness.

What also makes Genmaicha a great choice for a healthy lifestyle is the fact that it is so low in caffeine. Those who are sensitive to caffeine or wish to reduce their intake can still enjoy an afternoon or evening beverage without being affected.

5 Ways in Which Brown Rice Tea Benefits the Body

Genmaicha green tea benefits the body in many ways; and with only two ingredients, you’ll be surprised at how much it can do. Below are just 5 of the numerous benefits of Genmaicha:

1. Balances Blood Sugar: Genmaicha helps balance blood sugar levels through its green tea component, which contains catechins known to improve insulin sensitivity. The roasted brown rice provides complex carbohydrates that release energy slowly, preventing sudden spikes in blood sugar and promoting stable energy levels throughout the day.
2. Lowers Risk of Cancer and Heart Disease: Due to its high antioxidant content, Genmaicha may lower the risk of cancer and heart disease. These antioxidants combat free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. This may help prevent cellular damage, thereby decreasing the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.
3. Helps With Weight Loss: Your metabolism is boosted by the green tea component of Genmaicha, which contains catechins and caffeine. These compounds enhance fat oxidation and increase energy expenditure.
4. Improves Brain Function: Genmaicha may improve brain function through its green tea component, rich in caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine. This combination enhances cognitive performance, improves focus, and promotes a relaxed yet alert state. Additionally, antioxidants in Genmaicha may protect brain cells from oxidative stress, supporting overall brain health and function.
5. Reduces Bloating and Improves Digestion: The roasted brown rice in Genmaicha may help to reduce bloating and improve digestion, alleviating digestive discomfort. The tea’s mild diuretic effect helps eliminate excess water, reducing bloating. Simultaneously, the catechins in green tea enhance digestive efficiency, promoting a healthy and balanced gastrointestinal system.

Japanese Genmaicha Should be a Part of Your Diet

Genmaicha tea has a positive, long-lasting impact as part of a healthy lifestyle. With its reduced caffeine levels and unlimited health benefits, this green tea is perfect for those who are looking to improve their diets. Additionally, Genmaicha brown rice tea contains no calories, meaning you can savour its unique sweet taste, without the worry of additional fats or sugars.

So enjoy a cup of Teavision’s soothing green tea and experience the Japanese Genmaicha tea benefits throughout your body.

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