Mugicha

Mugicha, or barley tea, is a caffeine-free tisane made from toasted barley (mugi). It’s smoky, nutty, and very aromatic, with a faint sweetness. Most Japanese households have a pitcher of mugicha in their fridges during the warmer months – it’s incredibly refreshing in hot, humid weather. But it’s also tasty served hot. Very easy to make: simply place a bag in a small pitcher (ideally one that fits inside your fridge door), fill with filtered water, and place in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.  These 8-gram bags are slightly oversized, and make a liter of tea. You can also use multiple bags to make a concentrate, and dilute with water to your liking.  An excellent choice for staying well-hydrated during the day. It’s used extensively in Chinese medicine as an anti-inflammatory and for fatigue. It really does perk you up, all without caffeine!