Mugicha (Japanese Roasted Barley Tea)
Local name: 麦茶
In short: A caffeine-free iced tea made by simmering or cold-brewing roasted barley, nutty and lightly toasty, the classic Japanese summer drink. It takes about 20 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Resting
- 2 h
- Total
- 20 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 5 kcal
All summer long, many Japanese households keep a pitcher of mugicha, roasted barley tea, in the fridge. It has a toasty, slightly nutty, faintly sweet flavor and no caffeine, so children and adults can drink it all day. It is made by simmering roasted barley for a few minutes or by cold-brewing it overnight, and it is served very cold. Some families drink it hot in winter. Barley contains gluten, so skip it if you avoid gluten.
Instructions
- Rinse the roasted barley quickly in a sieve under cold water to remove dust.
- Bring the water to a boil in a medium pot. Add the barley, lower the heat and simmer for 5 to 8 minutes, until the tea turns a deep amber color.
- Turn off the heat, cover and let it steep for 5 more minutes.
- Strain the tea into a pitcher, let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Pour over ice, with a slice of lemon if you like.
Tips
- For cold brew, put 30 g of roasted barley in a pitcher with 1 liter of cold water. Chill for 6 to 8 hours or overnight, then strain. It is milder and less toasty than the simmered version.
- Keep the tea in the fridge and drink it within 2 to 3 days. If it smells sour or looks cloudy and slimy, throw it away.
Questions and answers
Does mugicha have caffeine?
No. Barley tea contains no caffeine, so it is a popular drink for children, pregnant women and anyone who wants an evening drink without caffeine.
Can I drink mugicha hot?
Yes. It is also served hot in cooler months. Simmer as described and serve in cups straight from the pot, without chilling.
Where can I buy roasted barley?
Asian groceries sell loose roasted barley and tea bags, often labeled mugicha, and Korean groceries sell it as boricha. Check that the barley is dark and fragrant.
How long does it take to make Mugicha (Japanese Roasted Barley Tea)?
About 20 min in total: 5 min of preparation and 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Mugicha (Japanese Roasted Barley Tea)?
About 5 kcal per serving, with 0 g of protein, 1 g of carbohydrates and 0 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 5 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 1 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 5 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
