Okay, okay, we know this post is a little late—better late than never, right? With the warm weather rolling in, we figured it's the perfect time to introduce you to something truly special: hojicha. This roasted Japanese tea, loved for its smooth, comforting flavor, is available at Shavi Coffee Roasters, and trust us, it’s worth the wait!
Whether you're a tea enthusiast or just looking to shake up your usual coffee routine, hojicha is the perfect alternative to your regular beverages. So, let’s dive into why you should try this unique, toasty drink at Shavi, and what makes it such a great choice as the days get warmer!
What is Hojicha?
Hojicha is a roasted Japanese green tea that's made from leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, just like regular green tea. However, what sets it apart is the unique roasting process that gives the leaves a smoky, toasty flavor. Unlike the bright, fresh taste of green tea, hojicha has a warm, nutty character, with notes of caramel and earthiness.
This roasting process not only transforms the flavor but also reduces the caffeine content, making it a perfect beverage for any time of the day—even in the evening when you’re winding down.
Why You’ll Love Hojicha
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Smooth & Comforting Flavor: Hojicha is known for its gentle, toasty taste. It's rich in flavor but doesn’t have the bitterness that some teas do, making it a great option if you're looking for something light yet satisfying.
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Low Caffeine: Unlike coffee, hojicha has much lower caffeine, making it an ideal choice for those who want a relaxing, soothing drink without the jolt of energy.
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Healthy & Soothing: Like green tea, hojicha offers antioxidants and polyphenols, which are known for their health benefits. It's also easy on the stomach, making it a wonderful option if you're looking for something gentler than regular green tea.
Matcha & Hojicha – Same Leaf, Different Universe
Alright, let’s clear something up: both matcha and hojicha are made from green tea leaves. But if you’ve ever tasted them, you know they’re basically from different planets.
So… what’s the deal with matcha?
Matcha is that bright green powder you’ve seen all over the internet — and in your friends’ pretty lattes. It’s made from shade-grown green tea leaves that are stone-ground into a fine powder. You’re not steeping it, you’re drinking the whole leaf. Boom. Antioxidants, caffeine, chlorophyll — all of it.
Matcha tastes grassy, a little sweet, a little bitter, and kinda like a spring garden if it decided to energize you.
Why people love matcha:
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High in caffeine – great for focus, but smoother than coffee.
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Packed with antioxidants – your immune system says thanks.
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Bright and bold flavor – that umami, earthy taste is unforgettable.
Hojicha
Hojicha is matcha’s chill, cozy cousin. Made from the same tea plant, but roasted. That roasting changes everything: the color turns reddish-brown, the caffeine drops, and the flavor becomes warm, nutty, and toasty.
Hojicha is that quiet friend who reads poetry, wears chunky knit sweaters, and is somehow always calm.
Why hojicha is amazing:
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Low in caffeine – sip it in the evening, no heart palpitations.
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Toasty and smooth – no bitterness, just pure comfort.
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Surprisingly complex – you’ll taste caramel, nuts, maybe even a little smoke.
Hojicha at Shavi Coffee Roasters
At Shavi Coffee Roasters, we’re always looking for unique ways to expand your coffee (and tea) experiences. That’s why we’re excited to offer hojicha as part of our curated selection of drinks. We believe in providing our customers with high-quality, specialty beverages, and hojicha fits that perfectly with its rich flavor and distinct profile.
When you visit us, you can enjoy hojicha in a few ways:
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Classic Hojicha: A soothing cup of hot hojicha, perfect for those cool afternoons or relaxing moments.
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Hojicha Latte: For those who love a creamy twist, our hojicha latte combines the roasted flavor of hojicha with steamed milk, creating a smooth, velvety drink that’s perfect for a midday treat.
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Iced Hojicha: If you’re craving something cool and refreshing, try our iced hojicha. It’s the perfect balance of roasted flavor and chill vibes for a warm day.
Visit Us at Shavi Coffee Roasters
We’re proud to be the first to bring this delightful drink to Tbilisi, and we’d love for you to experience it with us.. If you’re looking to try something new and add a touch of Japanese tradition to your routine, be sure to stop by and enjoy a cup!
Ready to try hojicha? We’d love for you to stop by Shavi Coffee Roasters and experience this unique tea for yourself. Whether you’re in the mood for a hot cup or an iced version, hojicha is a great way to unwind and enjoy something different. See you soon!
