Properties and preparation of rice tea. Top He alth Benefits of Genmaicha Tea

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Rice tea is famous for its exotic recipe of brown rice popcorn. It is blended with delicate bancha green tea leaves or more refined sentcha. There are two types - Korean (hyeonminokcha) and Japanese (genmaicha) green rice tea. The drink combines a pleasant sweetness with a light aroma and a delicate nutty aftertaste.

History and origins

There is an interesting legend about the origin of the name genmaicha. A slave who was working on the rice terraces at Mu Cang Chai was making tea for the master when he accidentally dropped some rice into it. The slave was immediately beheaded, but the master tasted the drink and was impressed with the result. For a special, incomparable taste, tea was named after the executed worker - Genmaicha.

In old Kyoto, the home of Genmaicha, it was considered a drink for poor farmers and urban dwellers who couldn't afford expensive concoctions. The constituent components make italmost as rich and nutritious as some foods. Monks who fasted, soldiers on a meager ration, and those who could not tolerate solid food while recovering from illness have all turned to inexpensive rice tea. In modern times, the soft, herbal and nutty fragrance has won the love of the population of many countries.

What is rice tea

Genmaicha is made from a blend of low bitterness leaves and steamed brown rice. It is now commonly known as "popcorn tea". The slight bitterness and low levels of caffeine make it ideal for supplementing the daily diet of children, pregnant women and the elderly. Another ability of rice tea is the achieved effect of relaxation and stress relief. For modern people suffering from insomnia, various emotional disorders affecting the psyche and nervous system, this is a very necessary and useful property of Genmaich.

The color of the drink is not brown like the rice it contains, and not green like the base tea. When immersed in a liquid, the colors combine into a light yellow hue, which is why some Japanese people informally call it "yellow tea". Many large online retailers sell a combo drink called matcha-iri genmaicha. Its flavor is stronger than regular Genmaicha, and its color is closer to green when brewed.

What are the benefits of rice tea

One cup a day can greatly improve your he alth and promote weight loss through the active elements of riceand tea. Contrary to popular belief, Genmaicha does not cause drowsiness, but it can be drunk at night due to its minimal caffeine content. The product contains a number of antioxidants, as well as ascorbic acid, which are thought to help the immune system. The beneficial substances included in the composition help regulate blood pressure and fight hypertension, prevent obesity, and restore strength.

Regular consumption of Genmaicha has been shown to promote physical relaxation due to its theanine content. It is important to note that despite the presence of rice, this tea does not contain calories. The drink is well suited for people who take iron supplements. However, since green tea has little effect on the body's ability to absorb the mineral, anyone taking iron supplements should do so approximately 4 hours before or after drinking any type of green tea, including Genmaicha.

Research data

Recently, there are many studies that clearly show the benefits of even drinking one cup of green tea a day. A group of scientists from the Ryukyu Medical University of Japan discovered that brown rice contains the substance GABA. It has a positive effect on the secretion of insulin by pancreatic cells and can prevent the onset of diabetes.

People who regularly drink green tea have a significantly lower risk of getting breast, ovarian or prostate cancer. And drinking one cup a day affects the occurrencecardiovascular disease, reducing their incidence by 44% compared to non-tea drinkers.

Cooking method

Why not save money by making your own Genmaicha tea? It's easy and fun to experiment with different options until you find the exact combination of rice, tea and water that suits your personal taste. Start by toasting one cup of brown rice in a saucepan over medium heat, being careful to stir the grains to brown evenly.

Set the rice aside and prepare a cup of hot water around 85°C. Place a tablespoon of fried rice and a teaspoon of green tea leaves into the filter bag. Immerse it in hot water and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. Traditionally, it is drunk without the addition of milk or sweeteners, however, you can add a little sugar, honey or lemon to your taste.

Many bars in Japan, the US and Europe sell a popular cocktail containing vodka and Genmaicha: two flavors that go great together. Hot rum is another suggestion for creating a unique flavor combination.