Grain of Truth

Ready for a savory delight? Originally a poor man’s tea, due to the roasted rice being used to “fill” or “stretch” the tea, genmaicha, the “people’s tea,” has long since advanced to a class of its own and remains a popular staple in Japan. Due to its lower caffeine content, genmaicha can be drunk in large quantities any time of the day and serves well paired with food or as a hearty beverage able to curb the appetite. Like its namesake in Tanazaki's novel, Naomi, The Great Joji adds a touch of brazen fun to the hallowed tradition of Japanese sencha with its popcorn-like kernels of roasted rice that set a lively visual contrast and imbue this mild steep with fragrant hints of roasted coffee beans.