Hojicha is a mild variation of green tea with lowered caffeine and catechins content thanks to the roasting process and has a distinctive brownish color. Oi Ocha—Hojicha is produced by lightly roasting ichibancha (first blush) green tea leaves to give a particularly rich aroma and flavor. The "freshly roast" fragrance is Oi Ocha—Hojicha's defining feature. Direct roasting of the tea leaves at high temperature for a short time is the secret behind its superior aroma.