Our Loose Leaf Hojicha
Japanese Roasted Green Tea, Crafted with Expertise
Loose leaf hojicha is a traditional Japanese roasted green tea, celebrated for its inviting roasted aroma, smooth flavor, and comforting character. Depending on the tea leaves selected and the roasting method, hojicha offers a wide range of flavors, from delicate and refreshing to rich and deeply aromatic.
At Hojicha Maruyoshi, we draw on the tea-growing traditions of Omi, Japan, and our expertise in tea selection and roasting to create distinctive hojicha teas for a variety of tastes and occasions.
Available Loose Leaf Hojicha
Explore our selection of Japanese loose leaf hojicha, from light and dark roasts to organic, premium, and seasonal varieties. Each tea is carefully selected and roasted to bring out its individual character.
Light Roast Hojicha
Delicate roasted aroma with a smooth, refreshing taste. Preserves the tea's natural character.
Dark Roast Hojicha
Rich, toasty aromas and a smooth, satisfying taste, with a warm and lingering finish.
Organic Hojicha
Selected organic teas, carefully roasted to highlight their distinctive aromas and flavors.
Premium & Seasonal Selections
Specialty hojicha, including premium grades and seasonal offerings such as first-flush teas.
*Our collection extends beyond the varieties featured here. Product availability varies by country, market, and season. Please contact us for details.
Everything You Want to Know About Loose Leaf Hojicha
Find answers to common questions about loose leaf hojicha, from its flavor and roasting styles to brewing and wholesale availability.
1. What is loose leaf hojicha?
Loose leaf hojicha is Japanese green tea that has been roasted to develop its characteristic aroma and flavor. Unlike powdered hojicha, the tea leaves are steeped in hot water and then removed before drinking.
2. How is hojicha different from regular Japanese green tea?
While many Japanese green teas are steamed and dried to preserve their fresh, grassy character, hojicha undergoes an additional roasting process. This creates its distinctive toasty aroma, brown color, and smooth flavor.
3. What is the difference between Light Roast and Dark Roast hojicha?
Light Roast hojicha generally offers a more delicate roasted aroma while retaining some of the tea's original freshness and subtle complexity.
Dark Roast hojicha develops a richer, more pronounced roasted character, often with a smooth finish.
The final flavor also depends on the tea leaves selected and the roasting conditions.
4. Does loose leaf hojicha contain caffeine?
Yes. Hojicha naturally contains caffeine, but the roasting process can reduce its caffeine content. As a result, hojicha is generally known for having less caffeine than many other Japanese green teas. However, the actual caffeine level varies depending on the tea leaves used, roasting conditions, and brewing method.
5. How should loose leaf hojicha be brewed?
Unlike many Japanese green teas, which can become bitter when brewed with boiling water due to their catechin content, hojicha generally contains fewer catechins and can be brewed with freshly boiled water. As a general guide, use 3–4 grams of tea leaves per 200 ml of boiling water and steep for 30–60 seconds.
You can also enjoy a second or third infusion using the same tea leaves, discovering subtle changes in flavor with each brew.
6. Is organic loose leaf hojicha available?
Yes. We offer selected loose leaf hojicha varieties certified under Japan's Organic JAS (Japanese Agricultural Standards) system.
Availability and import requirements may vary depending on the destination country or market.
7. Can all of your loose leaf hojicha varieties be exported?
Export availability depends on the import regulations of your country and the type of tea.
Please note that we currently supply only organic tea powders to the European market, and exports of loose leaf hojicha to Europe are suspended. We also do not export certain bulky varieties, such as bancha hojicha.
Please contact us to check which products are available for your market.
Loose Leaf Hojicha for Your Business
Looking for Japanese loose leaf hojicha for your retail store, café, or distribution business? We can help you explore suitable varieties based on your market, preferred flavor profile, and business needs.
Explore Wholesale Opportunities →