Leaf Tea – “Kaguwashi” (Ao Hojicha) – 80g

Aoba Hōjicha (Light-Roasted Green Tea)

Fragrant and graceful — sweet, toasty, and refreshingly green.

Flavor Profile
Sweetness ★★★☆☆
Astringency ★★☆☆☆
Bitterness ★☆☆☆☆
Umami ★★☆☆☆
Roast ★★★★☆ (Medium Roast)

Type: Aoba Hōjicha (light-roasted green tea)
Ingredients: Green tea (Produced in Soo City, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan)
Net Weight: 80g
Storage: Store in a cool, dark place away from humidity and strong odors.

Awards & Recognition

2024 – Great Taste Awards 2024 (UK) ★★
2022 – Great Taste Awards 2022 (UK) ★
2021 – Great Taste Awards 2021 (UK) ★
    Teas of the World 2021 (France) — Gourmet Medal
2020 – Great Taste Awards 2020 (UK) ★★
    Japanese Tea Selection Paris 2020 (France) — Silver Award
2019 – Teas of the World 2019 (France) — Gold Medal (first ever for a Japanese producer)
    Japanese Tea Selection Paris 2019 (France) — Silver Award

Tea Characteristics

• Blend Type: Multi-origin blend

• Cultivation: Kabusecha (covered tea)

• Steaming: Medium-steamed

• Roast Level: Medium

Description

If traditional Hōjicha is deeply roasted, then “Kaguwashi” is its refined, lighter counterpart.
Crafted from carefully selected first-flush leaves, this Aoba Hōjicha is delicately roasted to the perfect balance — sweet and nutty like classic Hōjicha, yet retaining the refreshing green aroma and subtle umami of Sencha.

Winner of the Gold Medal at Teas of the World 2019 in Paris, “Kaguwashi” became the first Japanese tea ever to receive this honor in the green tea category.
Loved for its gentle fragrance and sophisticated flavor, it embodies Sueyoshi Seicha Kōbō’s pursuit of harmony between aroma, taste, and craftsmanship.

How to Brew (for 1 serving)

You’ll need:

• Tea leaves: 5 g

• Hot water: 120 ml

• Kyusu (Japanese teapot)

1. Add 5 g of tea leaves to the teapot.
Precise measuring isn’t necessary — a rounded teaspoon is a good guide.

2. Pour hot water at 80 °C.
If you don’t have a temperature-controlled kettle, add about 6 ice cubes to 1 L of boiled water to cool it to around 80 °C.

3. Cover and steep for 1 minute.
Enjoy the soothing aroma as it gently rises from the pot.

4. Pour slowly and evenly.
Pour to the last drop for the richest flavor. If serving multiple cups, alternate pouring to keep the taste consistent.