For coffee lovers it may seem like a real nonsense to immerse yourself in the world of infusions. In fact, it’s not uncommon to hear that tea doesn’t have as much “taste” as coffee. Without a doubt, this statement is wrong, since each infusion offers a unique sensory experience.
Now, if you are one of those people who cannot live without their coffee in the morning (and perhaps some more throughout the day), continue reading because we will tell you which are the infusions that can best suit your palate.
6 tea recommendations for coffee lovers
Coffee lovers tend to enjoy the more intense flavors and, in fact, take pleasure in tasting the roasted nuances. For this reason, we have selected those teas that are most similar in intensity and roasted touch to a good coffee.
Hojicha
This Japanese green tea stands out for its roasted flavor. It is worth clarifying that hojicha is made from large, thick leaves (with a high proportion of tannins) that undergo a drying process between 12 and 20 hours after being harvested.
To do this, the leaves are roasted in a ceramic bowl that is placed on the burning coal. This drying stops the natural oxidation process and, thus, the essential oils present in the leaves are preserved.
However, drying also influences the final flavor that this tea will have in a cup, since the leaves acquire a roasted flavor and aroma.
It is important to note that already at first glance, the hojicha looks different. This is because the size of its leaves and their drying do not allow them to roll up. Rather, they look like twisted leaves.
In the cup, it gives rise to a dark reddish infusion that can remind of coffee and a very tempting smoky aroma. In the mouth, the toasted flavor is mainly noticeable, above the typical vegetable notes of a green tea.
Genmaicha
This curious combination of tea and rice is another of the best proposals for coffee lovers due to its pleasant malted, toasted and slightly bitter touches.
Genmaicha is made from the lower leaves of Camellia sinensis, just like hojicha, and is also a green tea. However, its flavor is entirely modified due to the combination with rice.
Once the leaves are harvested, they are steamed to prevent the natural oxidation of the tea. Subsequently, these are air-dried to completely remove the presence of moisture. Once dry, they are rolled up.
In parallel, the rice is cooked and given a shot of steam, before being dried with hot air and sautéed in large drums where the grains caramelize with their own starch. Once cold, the cereal is mixed with the rolled tea leaves and thus the genmaicha is born.
This tea has a deep, dark brown colour, reminiscent of the roasting to which it was subjected. In fact, this process affects its flavor that many describe as “popcorn”.
Yerba mate
If you regularly drink coffee for its caffeine content, and you want to stay alert, yerba mate may be a good option. Have you ever drunk mate?
If you don’t know, yerba mate is the herb with the highest amount of caffeine. On the other hand, it is a rather bitter infusion. If you enjoy drinking your coffee black and without sugar, do not hesitate to try it.
Matcha
Another of our recommendations for coffee lovers looking for a significant dose of caffeine in their drinks is matcha. This Japanese green tea is rich in caffeine and therefore provides a stimulating effect similar to coffee.
In terms of flavor, it is intense, earthy and malty, and its body is creamy and velvety. Experts maintain that it has umami, the fifth taste that the palate can recognize.
Pu-erh
The famous red tea is a fermented tea that has interesting doses of caffeine. When infusing it, you will find yourself in front of a black drink with a texture similar to that of coffee.
If we talk about the flavor, it can vary depending on the fermentation to which it has been subjected. Younger pu-erh have greater astringency and bitterness, with floral notes, while older pu-erh have softer, earthier flavors.
Assam black tea
This tea originating from India has a malty flavor and a body reminiscent of coffee. In addition, its color in the cup is dark like that of your favorite drink.
Although it is usually consumed mixed (in breakfast tea, for example), it can be an interesting option for those who want to immerse themselves in the world of tea.
What do you think of these tea recommendations for coffee lovers? Do not hesitate and try them, you will fall in love with their flavors!