THE TEA MERCHANT'S SECRET {HOUJICHA COCOA}

THE TEA MERCHANT'S SECRET {HOUJICHA COCOA}

The roast of Houjicha with the richness of Cocoa.  Our organic Houjicha tea leaves ground into a fine powder and mixed with organic cocoa powder- and that’s all.  No sugar, no flavorings- just these two superb ingredients blended and ready for you to add milk and sweetener of choice as you wish.  

Pick me if: You enjoy decadent beverages that can help curb sweets or snack cravings.  

Organic Ingredients: Powdered Houjicha green tea and Cocoa

Net Wt: 3 oz {loose powder}

Gently Caffeinated

Understanding the Ingredients: This one is simple, I wanted to make the most perfect cozy mid day, snack craving stopping, focus enhancing, gently uplifting treat that I could.  Here it is.  The roasted houjicha leaves mixed with a high grade cocoa make for a deeply satisfying treat that is loaded with antioxidants as well as mood boosting properties.  High-heat roasting turns the vibrant green Sencha leaves into a distinct reddish-brown color and strips away any bitterness and astringency, and creates a warm, smoky, caramel-like, and nutty aroma. The intense heat naturally bakes out a large portion of the caffeine and polyphenols, making it a mild drink suitable for children, the elderly, and those caffeine sensitive but wanting to enjoy a cup of tea.  

What's in the Name? The name is a nod to the story that we love about Houjicha. Making treasure out of what some consider to be trash.   Following the introduction of machines plucking tea leaves, tea merchants and farmers were left with a surplus of rougher component of the tea plant.  Parts like mature tougher leaves, stems, stalks, and twig that were considered too low-grade to sell as premium green tea like Sencha or Gyokuro. To avoid wasting these parts, merchants in Kyoto began roasting these leftover leaves and stems over high heat in a porcelain pot or charcoal.The innovation was driven by the Japanese philosophy of mottainai, a sense of regret over waste.  People loved the new creation and Houjicha was born.  

To make: 

1Tb The Tea Merchant's Secret Houjicha Cocoa, 8-10oz hot water, a splash of Milk/Cream of choice, and a dash of Sweetness of choice (optional but delicious).

Stir the Tea into the hot water.  Once blended well, add cream and sweetener of choice to taste.  Some people may prefer to add the tea cocoa to less water and more milk.  Experiment to find your favorite mixture.