Genmaincha (from Japanese, brown rice tea), or simply brown rice tea, is a mixture of roasted brown rice and green tea, used to prepare a Japanese tea full of health benefits. Compatible with green tea, the benefits of this tea involve its composition, rich in vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants and flavonoids. With a mild nutty flavor as well as its aroma, this delicious tea can be drunk hot or cold, as you prefer.

What are the benefits?

This tea, due to the presence of polyphenols, which are natural antioxidants, helps to stop the reproduction of cancer cells, so it is beneficial in fighting cancer. Consuming at least one cup of brown rice tea a week for at least six months has significantly reduced risks of developing rectal, colon, and pancreatic cancers.

Because it is rich in selenium, tea also helps maintain the proper functioning of the thyroid, in addition to regulating metabolism and hormones. It helps maintain healthy nerve functions, synthesize cholesterol and essential fatty acids, and stabilize blood glucose levels.

How to prepare?

To prepare you will need:

– Brown rice
– Water
– Green tea

The first step is to brown the rice. In a pan, place the brown rice in a thin layer, allowing you to see the bottom of the pan in some places and cook over medium heat, letting it brown. The rice will be ready when it has a toasty aroma and a dark brown color. You can make the amount for this tea or keep it stored for the next few times. Allow the rice to cool before brewing.

Place a tablespoon of brown rice in an infuser (or at the bottom of the cup) with a tablespoon of the green tea leaves. Pour a cup of boiling water on top and let the mixture sit for approximately three minutes. After this period, remove the infuser or strain the mixture.

You can make the two separate infusions if you prefer, mixing the two teas together later.

Contraindications and precautions

It is important that patients who have heart disease or are taking anticoagulant medications talk to their doctor before using this tea.

Attention, when preparing, do not use yellow rice, and let the brown rice brown well before using.