Mugicha, or barley tea, is a staple of Japanese summer. With its nutty aroma and refreshing taste, it is an essential part of daily life in Japan. But have you ever wondered how those brown grains are transformed into the tea we drink?
Today, we are taking you on a behind-the-scenes tour of how our barley tea reaches you, uncovering the secret to its delicious flavor: Roasting.
From Grain to Tea: The Manufacturing Process
The method for making barley tea is actually quite simple. Because of this simplicity, the quality of the raw ingredients and the processing technology have a direct impact on the final taste.
1. Selection & Cleaning
First, we select high-quality barley suitable for tea. Harvested barley often contains stems or small stones, so we use wind power, sieves, and magnets to thoroughly remove any foreign objects.
2. Roasting
This is the most critical step for flavor. Heat is applied to the cleaned barley to bring out its aromatic scent and rich color.
3. Cooling & Inspection
The hot, freshly roasted barley is immediately cooled. At this stage, professional inspectors and machines check the color and aroma to ensure quality.
4. Crushing & Packaging
Barley for boiling is kept whole, while barley for cold brewing or tea bags is crushed for easier extraction. After passing through metal detectors and weight checks, the product is packaged and ready for you.
The Flavor is Decided by the “Roasting Method”
Did you know that, just like coffee, the flavor of barley tea changes dramatically depending on how it is roasted? There are several common methods used to roast barle
- Direct Fire Roasting: The barley is placed in a drum and roasted directly over a flame. This produces a strong, toasted aroma, but controlling the heat is difficult, and the surface can easily burn.
- Sand Roasting (Traditional Method): Barley is roasted in heated sand. The far-infrared effect of the sand heats the barley to the core. However, this requires highly skilled artisans to manage the sand and temperature.
- Hot Air Roasting: High-temperature hot air is blown onto the barley. This method allows for precise temperature control and roasts the barley evenly without unevenness.
Why Hakubaku Insists on “Hot Air Roasting”
At Hakubaku, we have chosen Hot Air Roasting and enhanced it with our own unique technology. While some may think hot air roasting only heats the surface and doesn’t reach the core, Hakubaku’s technology is different. Here is why our method stands out.
1. German Engineering & 4-Stage Temperature Control
We use a German-made coffee roasting machine, which we have customized specifically for barley tea. Instead of blasting the barley with high heat all at once, we use a sophisticated “4-stage temperature control” system. We start with hot air at approximately 500°C (932°F) and gradually lower it to nearly 200°C (392°F). This allows us to thoroughly heat the core of the barley without burning the surface.
2. Bringing Out the Natural “Sweetness”
This unique roasting method maximizes the natural sweetness found in the barley’s starch. Because the surface is not scorched, we suppress the “bitterness” and “off-tastes” often found in other roasted teas. The result is a tea that is aromatic and sweet, with a clean, refreshing aftertaste.
3. Precision Adjustments of 0.1°C
Barley is an agricultural product, so its condition changes slightly depending on the weather and harvest year. To maintain consistency, we measure the color of the barley after every batch. Based on these measurements, we adjust the roasting temperature by increments of 0.1°C (approx. 0.2°F). This uncompromising attention to detail ensures that you always get the delicious Hakubaku taste you expect.
Take a Break with Premium Barley Tea
“Low in bitterness, rich in sweetness.” This is the ideal barley tea that Hakubaku has achieved through our dedicated hot air roasting process. Caffeine-free and gentle on the body, it is a perfect drink for everyone in the family, from children to the elderly. We hope you enjoy the smooth, gentle flavor of our carefully crafted barley tea.
▼ Explore Hakubaku’s Barley Tea Products
