Genmaicha

Genmaicha (Japanese玄 米 茶) is a Japanese green tea preparation containing roasted and partially gepoppte rice grains; is used so-called brown rice, so brown rice (Japanese玄 米, genmai ). The tea is replaced by a slightly malty roasted flavor.

History

According to tradition, Genmaicha arose by chance during the 15th century. Green tea is generally heated or lightly toasted, to prevent fermentation. A careless servant should work this sloppy and the tea with a few grains of rice mixed have heated too long; his master, a samurai, should also have been so enraged that he beheaded him, and shortly thereafter ashamed to note that this new tea had a pleasant taste.

Thanks to its relatively strong flavor Genmaicha was also always preferred when it was economical to use the rare tea.