Brewing Hojicha & Kukicha

[Noonie]

I've never tried either tea but I've just ordered some. I was looking for less caffeinated tea that I could drink later in the day / evening as I was having issues sleeping if I have caffeine too late in the day.

I've read that you can brew Kukicha (or Karigane) similar to Sencha. Hojicha recommendations seem to vary, but closer to boiling and 1:30 or so for the first steep (30s second steep)...and I'm guessing a similar ratio of leaf to water.

Any other recommendations?

Thanks.

[chingwa]

I usually go shorter with houjicha. Between 30-45 seconds on the first steep and approx 175 degrees... but I don't enjoy the dark roasted flavor so much, preferring a lighter taste. I'd do the same with kukicha (perhaps a little cooler), though I don't make it at home much.

Of course it's all up to you and your own experimentation. I feel, in general, it's better to start shorter and then extend the time longer if needed and if it's still not quite right to raise the temperature next time.

Under-steeping is not nearly as offensive as over-steeping.

[Noonie]

Hojicha: I've settled on 2 teaspoons, 125ml water, 88 Celsius for 1:30. Second steep at 95c for 30s. Really happy with this.

[JRS22]

Two of my favorite kariganes from o-cha are based on gyo and sencha. I use the same temps as for those teas, 140° and 150° respectively.

[Noonie]

Thanks, I have some Karigane from O-cha. Haven't tried it yet. I thought it was very low in caffeine, though I heard that it's not much less than regular sencha...so I'll save it for weekend afternoons instead of evenings.

[ettore]

I've never tried either tea but I've just ordered some. I was looking for less caffeinated tea that I could drink later in the day / evening as I was having issues sleeping if I have caffeine too late in the day.

I've read that you can brew Kukicha (or Karigane) similar to Sencha. Hojicha recommendations seem to vary, but closer to boiling and 1:30 or so for the first steep (30s second steep)...and I'm guessing a similar ratio of leaf to water.

Any other recommendations?

Thanks.

Hojicha after work and Kukicha (I strongly recommend Mitoku) before going to bed is awesome.

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