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We have created a hojicha unlike conventional hojicha through our choice of raw materials, heat source, and roasting method.

This tea is a wood-fired hojicha made from the first flush of naturally cultivated tea from Tsuge, Nara Prefecture, where the tea is grown without pesticides or fertilizers. I worked on site with the producer throughout both the development and production of this hojicha.

Made from First Flush Naturally Cultivated Sencha

One of the important factors that determines the quality of hojicha is its aftertaste. A long aftertaste adds depth to the flavor and makes the tea much richer.
To produce this wood-fired hojicha, we selected sencha made from the first flush harvested in Tsuge. This tea is grown without fertilizers and is known for its exceptionally long-lasting aftertaste.

The Difference Made by the Heat Source

The heat source plays an important role in tea roasting. Even when tea is roasted in the same way, the flavor changes significantly depending on whether the heat source is wood, electricity, or gas.
The same principle applies to cooking. When grilling meat or eel, the result is clearly different when using wood or charcoal instead of gas or an electric heater.

Most people recognize that food tastes better when grilled directly over charcoal or wood. However, the difference is not limited to direct flame cooking. Even when a metal plate or frying pan is used, the heat source still affects the final result.
For example, when frying an egg in the same pan, the flame never touches the egg directly, yet the finished flavor differs noticeably depending on whether the pan is heated by wood, charcoal, or gas.

Likewise, tea roasted over wood or charcoal tends to develop a cleaner and more transparent flavor. This is because the nature of the heat source influences the flavor even though the tea leaves are never exposed directly to the flame.
We chose wood firing because we know that certain flavors can only be achieved by using wood or charcoal as the heat source.

The Influence of the Firewood

If you have used a wood-burning stove, you have probably noticed that different types of firewood produce different heat. Natural hardwoods are especially valued.

The same principle is also well known among oolong tea producers. The type of wood or charcoal used for roasting affects the flavor of the finished tea. For this reason, the charcoal used for roasting oolong tea is typically made from specific hardwood species.

For this wood-fired hojicha, we selected natural Japanese oak firewood and roasted the tea over an oak fire.

Roasting for Maturation Rather Than Charring

When developing this hojicha, our goal was not simply to scorch the tea leaves. Instead, we applied the concept of oolong tea roasting, allowing the tea to mature gradually through heat and develop a naturally fruity flavor.

Unlike conventional Japanese hojicha, which is typically roasted quickly at very high temperatures of above 180°C, this tea is roasted slowly at a lower temperature. Rather than scorching the leaves, we allow the tea to mature gradually through heat. As a result, the tea components change gently during roasting, producing a naturally sweet and fruity flavor.

For this reason, the tea is roasted continuously for many hours while maintaining a relatively low temperature. Its roasting philosophy is clearly different from that of conventional hojicha.

The product is named “Light Roast.” The term does not refer to the roasting time or roasting intensity. Instead, it describes a roasting style that emphasizes maturation rather than charring.

Appearance and Flavor

Because the roasting process is not intended to scorch the leaves, they remain green and still look like sencha. At first glance, they do not appear to be hojicha, but instead resemble lightly roasted oolong teas such as Tie Guan Yin or Dong Ding Oolong.

This tea combines the refreshing character of sencha with a naturally sweet flavor reminiscent of dried fruits and flowers that develops during roasting. It is easy to drink and pairs well with both meals and desserts.

How to Buy This Tea?

For international customers, please refer to the following page for pricing:
https://hojotea.com/img/tealineup10.pdf

Please send your inquiry to us via email at info2@hojotea.com.

For customers in Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei, please click here to visit the product page.

https://shop.hojotea.com.my/collections/japanese-green-tea/products/tsuge-wood-fired-hojicha