Product image 1, can be opened in a modal.
Loose leaf Hōjicha organic green tea displayed on a white background, featuring gently roasted green tea leaves with a warm brown hue. A low-caffeine loose leaf green tea handcrafted in Oregon.
Product image 2, can be opened in a modal.
Clear glass mug filled with brewed Hōjicha organic green tea, deep amber-brown in color, resting on a white surface. A gently roasted green tea ritual handcrafted by Yerba Buena Tea Co.
Product image 3, can be opened in a modal.
Black tin of Hōjicha organic loose leaf green tea by Yerba Buena Tea Co., made from gently roasted green tea leaves. Handcrafted in Oregon.

Organic Green Tea | Toasty & Nutty | Low Caffeine

Organic Houjicha Roasted Tea

The coffee drinker's green tea. Roasted, nutty, and low caffeine.

Ingredients: Organic Green Tea.

Regular price $18.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $18.00 USD
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Size: Tea Tin
  • Free shipping $70+
  • Small business
  • Secure checkout
About Houjicha

The Coffee Drinker's Green Tea

If you find green tea too "grassy" or bitter, Houjicha will change your mind. It starts as a high-quality Japanese green tea, but instead of being steamed, the leaves and stems are roasted over high heat in porcelain pots. This transforms the tea from green to a rich reddish-brown and replaces the vegetal flavor with notes of cocoa, caramel, and toasted nuts.

Why It Works

The roasting process does two magical things. First, it caramelizes the natural sugars in the stem, creating a naturally sweet, nutty flavor profile. Second, the heat breaks down the caffeine and tannins. The result is a tea that is incredibly smooth, virtually non-astringent, and safe to drink late at night.

The Evening Ritual

The "Japanese Latte." In Kyoto, Houjicha lattes are as popular as Matcha lattes. Brew this tea very strong (using boiling water), then add steamed oat milk and a drop of maple syrup. It tastes like a roasted marshmallow in a cup.

Organic Ingredients
  • Organic Green Tea
Tasting Notes

Aroma: Warm and inviting. It smells like roasted barley, coffee, and toast.

Flavor: Sweet and savory. The dominant notes are toasted hazelnut and caramel, with a woody depth.

Finish: Clean and comforting, with zero bitterness.

Why You'll Love It

The Macrobiotic Staple: Because it is so gentle on the stomach and low in caffeine, Houjicha is the preferred tea in the macrobiotic diet. It is often served in Japanese hospitals and schools because it is hydrating without being stimulating.

Using the Whole Plant: Houjicha often includes the stems (Kukicha) of the tea plant. The stems are richer in L-theanine (sweetness) than the leaves, which contributes to the tea's creamy texture.

Black tin of Hōjicha organic loose leaf green tea by Yerba Buena Tea Co., made from gently roasted green tea leaves. Handcrafted in Oregon.

Houjicha

Regular price $18.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $18.00 USD

Steep roasted. Sip warmth.

Clear glass mug filled with brewed Hōjicha organic green tea, deep amber-brown in color, resting on a white surface. A gently roasted green tea ritual handcrafted by Yerba Buena Tea Co.

Heritage Brew Guide

8oz
Water
212°F
Temp
1.5tsp
Leaf
5min
Time

Craft Your Cup

  • The Dinner Companion: This is the perfect tea to pair with a meal. Its savory, roasted profile stands up to oily or heavy foods (like tempura or steak) and acts as a palate cleanser.
  • Iced Houjicha: Brew it strong and pour over ice. The cold temperature highlights the caramel notes, making it taste almost like a cold brew coffee.

Loose leaf Hōjicha organic green tea displayed on a white background, featuring gently roasted green tea leaves with a warm brown hue. A low-caffeine loose leaf green tea handcrafted in Oregon.

Your Questions About Houjicha, Answered.

Why is it brown if it is Green Tea?

It is all about the roast. Just like coffee beans turn brown when roasted, these green tea leaves darken when exposed to high heat. This process removes the grassy flavor and replaces it with toasty notes.

Is it low caffeine?

Yes. The high heat of the roasting process naturally lowers the caffeine content. It has significantly less caffeine than Sencha or Matcha, making it a great evening tea.

Is it smoky?

No. Smoky teas (like Lapsang Souchong) are smoked over pine fires. Houjicha is roasted in porcelain. The flavor is "toasty" (like bread or nuts), not smoky.

FAQs Simply Answered

Are your teas organic?

The Short Answer: Yes. Every single leaf, root, and flower we source is Certified USDA Organic.

The Details: We believe that flavor starts in the soil. We strictly partner with growers who practice sustainable, organic farming, organic approved pesticides, no GMOs, and no "natural flavorings" sprayed on the leaves. While our Salem facility is a dedicated small-batch kitchen (and not yet a certified processing plant), our commitment to 100% organic ingredients is absolute. You are drinking pure nature, nothing else.

What are the "Refill Bags"?

We designed our system to be sustainable.

Our Signature Tin, protects the tea and contains all the detailed brewing and ingredient information.

The Refill:
When you run low, you buy a Refill Bag.

Please Note: These biodegradable bags are designed as "Transport Vessels" only. They are not intended for individual sale. Upon arrival, please use the refill bag with into your YBTCO Tin. This ensures your tea stays fresh and you have the correct brewing instructions at hand.

Where is this made?

Handcrafted in Oregon.

Every batch of Yerba Buena tea is blended, tested, and packed in our dedicated tea kitchen in Salem, Oregon. We do not use co-packers or giant industrial machines. We blend in small lots to ensure that the oils are still volatile and the spices are still punchy when they reach your cup. It is a difference you can taste.

Is it safe for allergies (Gluten/Nuts)?

We keep it clean. All YBTCO teas are naturally Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and Vegan. Our facility does not process wheat, soy, peanuts, or dairy.

The Coconut Note: The only allergen present in our facility is Coconut (Tree Nut), which is used in specific blends like Maven Blend and Turmeric Spice. We adhere to strict cleaning protocols to prevent cross-contamination, but if you have a severe tree nut allergy, please shop with caution.

When will my order ship?

We know you are ready to brew. Because we hand-pack orders, they typically leave our Oregon kitchen within 2-3 business days.

  • Free Shipping: We cover the shipping on all US orders over $70.
  • The Carriers: We ship via USPS and UPS. You’ll get a tracking number the second your label is printed so you can follow the tea to your doorstep.

Refer to our Shipping Policy for complete information.