How to Brew Genmaicha Loose Leaf Tea at Home

By Love Tea - Certified Organic Tea – LOVE TEA | Published: 2026-10-25

Category: How-to Guides

Learn the simple steps to brew genmaicha loose leaf tea at home for a nutty, grounding cup with the right water temperature and steeping time.

Quick answer

Brew genmaicha loose leaf tea at 175°F (80°C) for 2–3 minutes using one teaspoon per cup for a balanced, nutty flavor without bitterness.

Why water temperature matters for genmaicha

Genmaicha combines sencha green tea, stone ground matcha, and puffed brown rice. The matcha powder is delicate—water that is too hot can scorch it and make the tea taste bitter or astringent. That is why 175°F (80°C) is the sweet spot: it extracts the nutty, fresh flavor from the rice and the gentle caffeine lift without overwhelming the green tea leaves.

Choosing the right vessel

A standard teapot or a large infuser cup works well. Because genmaicha contains puffed rice that floats, a wide-mouth teapot or a basket infuser gives the leaves room to expand. Avoid fine-mesh strainers that might trap the rice pieces; a slightly coarser strainer lets the rice circulate while keeping larger leaf bits out of your cup.

Step-by-step brewing guide

Measure the tea: Use one teaspoon (about 2–3 grams) of genmaicha loose leaf per 8 oz (240 ml) cup. Adjust for stronger or milder taste, but avoid overloading—the puffed rice expands. Too much tea can make the brew crowded and bitter; start with one teaspoon.
Heat the water: Bring fresh, filtered water to a boil and let it cool to 175°F (80°C). If you do not have a thermometer, boil the water and let it sit for about 30–45 seconds off the heat. Water above 185°F can scorch the matcha and ruin the nutty flavor.
Pour and steep: Pour the hot water over the tea leaves and steep for 2–3 minutes. Cover the teapot or cup to keep the heat consistent. Steeping longer than 3 minutes extracts bitterness; set a timer.
Strain and serve: Pour the tea through a strainer into your cup. The puffed rice will mostly stay in the pot—that is normal. Give the brew a gentle stir before drinking to distribute any settled matcha. Do not press on the leaves; squeezing releases bitter tannins.
Re-steep (optional): Genmaicha leaves can be re-steeped once. Use the same water temperature and increase steeping time to 3–4 minutes. The second cup will be milder but still flavorful. The second steep is lighter but still enjoyable; do not expect the same strength.

About LOVE TEA's Genmaicha

Genmaicha Loose Leaf Tea: This blend combines Australian sourced sencha, stone ground matcha, and puffed brown rice for a nutty, fresh, and grounding taste. The stone ground matcha adds a creamy texture and extra antioxidants, while the puffed rice gives genmaicha its signature toasty flavor—making it a gentle green tea for any time of day.
Genmaicha Loose Leaf Tea