Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, we visited one to see how mugicha is made
2 days ago
- #Food Production
- #Barley Tea
- #Japanese Drinks
- Barley tea, known as mugicha in Japan, is a popular summer drink made from roasted barley without any tea leaves.
- Ogawa Sangyo, a barley tea maker in Tokyo, sources Japanese-grown barley and uses a direct-fire roasting technique for richer flavor.
- The roasting process involves two stages: first at 250°C and then at 180°C, with sand used to ensure even heating without burning.
- After roasting, the barley is packaged in tea bags, with triangular bags preferred for better flavor due to improved water flow during brewing.
- Barley tea production is labor-intensive, and the factory can be significantly hotter than outside, but the drink remains a refreshing choice for summer.