If you’re passionate about tea and love exploring bold, distinctive flavors, Genmaicha is about to become your new obsession. This Japanese classic blends green tea with roasted rice grains (some even “pop” like tiny popcorn), creating a golden infusion with a toasty, cereal-like aroma and that irresistible umami touch that wins you over from the very first sip.
What makes it so special?
- An unmistakable look: emerald green leaves + amber roasted rice = a cup that’s pure eye candy.
- A comforting aroma: notes of freshly baked bread, toasted cereal, a hint of nuts, and the fresh, green touch of tea leaves.
- Balanced flavor: zero bitterness when brewed right — smooth, rounded, and incredibly easy to drink, perfect for any time of day.
- Gentle energy: moderate caffeine that keeps you alert and focused without the jitters.
Genmaicha to give as a gift or treat yourself
A tea with history — and plenty of style
Genmaicha was born in Japan as an ingenious blend that brought together green tea and roasted rice. The result was a humble yet delicious tea, with comforting vibes and an umami profile that made it famous both in and beyond Asia. Today, it’s the go-to choice for those who want something different—simple, authentic, and full of character.
How to brew it to perfection
- Water: 75–80 °C (yes, lower than for black tea).
- Ratio: 2 g per 200 ml (one heaping teaspoon).
- Steeping time: 2–3 minutes.
- Extra tip: try a cold brew (6–8 hours in the fridge). The result is fresh, toasty, and completely free of bitterness.
Food pairing: How to pair Genmaicha tea
Genmaicha combines umami — that savory taste of seaweed, soy, and mushrooms — with the toasty, cereal-like notes of roasted rice. So, what happens when you drink it with food?
- It cleanses the palate of fats and salty sauces.
- It enhances vegetal and nutty flavors.
- When hot, it feels more toasty and comforting; when cold (as a cold brew), it highlights its fresh, cereal-like notes — perfect for light dishes.
Specific examples:
Onigiri (rice triangles wrapped in nori): the tea embraces the flavor of the seaweed and the starch of the rice. It pairs wonderfully with mild fillings (like tuna, umeboshi, or marinated tofu in vegan versions) because Genmaicha balances the salt and umami without overpowering them.
Sushi: with richer pieces (like salmon or avocado), it “cuts through” the fat and leaves the palate clean for the next bite. If you use soy sauce, the tea’s umami fits perfectly. For raw dishes, serve it lightly brewed (70–75 °C) or as a cold brew so it doesn’t overpower the flavors.
Vegetable bowls: roasted, sautéed, or steamed — Genmaicha’s toasty character pairs beautifully with grilled veggies and grains like brown rice or quinoa. Complementary sauces include mild miso, lemon-tahini, or peanut; the tea balances both the saltiness and the creaminess perfectly.
Whole-grain toasts: a natural match thanks to the cereal notes. With hummus, avocado + sesame, or tahini + syrup, it’s perfectly balanced — the tea adds freshness and keeps everything light.
Sesame or nut cookies: the nutty note of sesame echoes the roasted rice in the tea. Moderate sweetness + Genmaicha = a balanced snack (never cloying).
More quick ideas: cold soba with tsuyu, light tempura, vegetable fried rice, French omelet with sesame, or onigirazu.
In short: think savory or umami flavors and creamy or grainy textures — Genmaicha refines them and makes them easier to enjoy without losing character.
What makes it so irresistible?
Because it’s a truly sensory experience. Visually stunning, with the comforting aroma of toasted rice that instantly transports you. On the palate, it’s gentle yet complex — never overwhelming. It’s a “bridge tea”: loved by green tea enthusiasts and also by coffee drinkers who enjoy richer, rounder flavors.
The new Semper Tea formats — eco-friendly, elegant, and designed to match your rhythm
1) Glass Jar – Crystal Collection
Perfect for your kitchen, coffee corner, or as a gift. The glass preserves the aroma, looks beautiful on any shelf, and is 100% recyclable. A premium format that elevates the ritual and adds style to any coffee bar or gourmet shop.
2) Bulk bags of 50 g, 250 g and 1000 g – Alba Collection
Perfect for refilling your favorite tin, serving in cafés, or setting up a refill corner in your shop. Our loose tea comes in kraft paper bags available in 1 kg, 250 g, or 50 g sizes — ideal for daily enjoyment or professional service.
We also offer Genmaicha in 1 kg professional bags — a practical choice for the HoReCa sector thanks to its high rotation and easy dosing.
3) Bulk pyramids in bags of 40 and 200 units
At Semper Tea, we work with organic teas and pay attention to every detail — from product to packaging. Everything is produced and packed in Spain, with solutions designed for hotels, cafés, and specialty stores.
For young tea lovers… and professionals
At home:
- Comfort ritual for studying, working or binge-watching series.
- Versatile hot or cold; great for meal prep drinks.
- It’s spectacular as a latte (Genmaicha Latte: 150 ml of brewed tea + 100 ml of microfoamed milk or plant-based drink).
In coffee shop:
- A distinctive flavor that expands your menu beyond the “same old matcha.”
- Perfect for signature drinks: Genmaicha Tonic, dirty latte with a shot of espresso, or a non-alcoholic spritz with a twist of orange peel.
- Controlled cost and healthy profit margin with 250 g and 1 kg formats — ideal for maintaining a balanced food cost.
In gourmet food, tea, and coffee shops:
- The glass jar stands out on the shelf, instantly conveying quality.
- The kraft bulk format makes it easy to sell by weight and build customer loyalty with refill corners.
- Storytelling that sells: Japanese origin, a blend with roasted rice, and that charming “popcorn” look that wins hearts on social media.
Drinks with Genmaicha: tonic, latte, and non-alcoholic spritz
To help you make the most of Genmaicha’s toasty + umami profile, here’s a little bonus: three easy, versatile drink ideas to enjoy it your way — at home, in your coffee corner, or behind the bar. Each recipe is designed to deliver a rich, photogenic result with smooth service flow.
Here are the three drinks explained step by step, with measurements, temperatures, and handy tips for home or coffee bar service.
Genmaicha Tonic (refreshing and crisp)
Perfect if you enjoy bubbly drinks like a gin and tonic — but alcohol-free, with a bright citrus finish.
Tea base (short concentrate):
- 6–8 g of Genmaicha per 200 ml of water at 80 °C
- Steeping time: 3–4 minutes (a bit longer for extra intensity)
- Cool it quickly (ice bath) and store in the fridge.
- Assembly in a tall glass (highball):
- Fill the glass to the top with solid ice cubes.
- Add 90 ml of chilled Genmaicha concentrate.
- Top up with 120–150 ml of well-chilled tonic water (or soda + 10 ml of simple syrup if you prefer it less bitter).
- Add a twist of lemon or a thin slice of cucumber.
- Stir gently with a spoon to preserve the fizz.
Barista tip: if you’re using a more bitter tonic, reduce the concentrate to 80 ml and add 10 ml of yuzu or lemon syrup to balance it out.
Dirty Genmaicha Latte (with a touch of espresso)
Perfect if you enjoy a creamy latte profile with a toasty, cereal layer and a hint of coffee.
Tea infusion:
- 4–5 g of Genmaicha per 200 ml of water at 75–80 °C
- Steeping time: 2–3 minutes (smooth and balanced).
- Strain and keep warm.
- Milk (or plant-based drink): 120–150 ml, microfoamed to a silky texture. Oat or almond work beautifully.
- Coffee: 1 short espresso or ristretto (18–20 g in → 25–30 ml in the cup).
- Assembly in a 250–300 ml glass:
- Pour in 150 ml of hot Genmaicha.
- Add the micro-foamed milk.
- Top it with the espresso poured in the center for that “dirty” layered effect.
- Optional: a pinch of toasted sesame or a thin strip of orange peel for aroma.
Barista tip: for an iced version, use Genmaicha cold brew (8 g / 400 ml / 8 hours in the fridge), add 6–8 large ice cubes, cold milk, and pour the espresso on top.
Non-alcoholic Genmaicha Spritz (citrusy and easy)
Perfect if you enjoy something aperitif-style — light, sparkling, and aromatic.
Cold brew base (the night before):
- 10 g of Genmaicha in 500 ml of cold water.
- Steep for 6–8 hours in the fridge. Strain.
- Quick citrus syrup (optional, 5 minutes):
- Mix 50 ml of simple syrup (1:1) with 10 ml of orange juice and 2 strips of orange peel. Let them infuse for 10–15 minutes, then remove the peel.
- Assembly in a wine glass or spritz-style glass:
- Fill it to the top with ice.
- 120 ml of Genmaicha cold brew.
- 60–80 ml of soda or light ginger ale (more refined with soda, sweeter with ginger ale).
- 10–15 ml of citrus syrup or 2 dashes of non-alcoholic bitters (optional).
- Express an orange peel over the glass and drop it in.
Barista tip: for fast service in cafés, prepare cold brew by the litre (20 g/L, 8 hours, 48 hours cold storage) and measure out into jugs with a measuring cup.
Quick adjustments according to occasion
- For a more toasty, cereal-like flavor: extend the hot brew by 30–45 seconds or increase the tea by 1 g per 200 ml.
- Lighter and fresher: brew for a shorter time or add an extra 30–50 ml of soda/tonic water.
- Caffeine-free for the evening: stick with the Spritz or the Tonic made with a cold brew base — they’re smoother and lighter.
With these bases, you’ve got three signature drinks that are visually striking, easy to make, and carry the signature umami + toasty character of Genmaicha. Perfect for your menu, for reels—and most importantly—for pure enjoyment.
Quick Mini-FAQ
Does it have a lot of caffeine?
Less than other green teas of the same type; it’s perfect for mid-morning or afternoon.
Can it be re-steeped?
Yes. Make a second infusion 30–45 seconds shorter to keep the balance.
Why at Semper Tea?
Because we combine organic quality, packaging designed to preserve aroma, and flexible formats (premium jar, 50 g, 250 g, 1000 g) that adapt to your routine or your business. We work with sustainability and design in mind to take your tea experience to the next level.
Ready for your next cup
Semper Tea Genmaicha is pure color, aroma, and umami. At home, in your coffee shop, or in a specialty store, it’s the kind of tea that turns a single sip into a “wow” moment.
Shall we add it to your basket, or would you prefer professional terms for your café or shop?
We help you choose the perfect format (glass jar, 50 g, 250 g or 1000 g) and design an eye-catching presentation.
Semper Tea · organic, elegant and stylish.