Genmaicha is a Japanese green tea blended with roasted, popped brown rice, which gives it a toasted, nutty aroma and a milder flavor than straight green tea. It is typically made by mixing steamed and rolled sencha leaves with rice that has been roasted until some kernels pop, similar to popcorn. Accounts of exactly when and where it originated vary, but the practice is generally linked to using roasted rice to stretch more expensive green tea leaves and make them go further. Genmaicha is an everyday, mild tea served hot or chilled; some blends add a small amount of matcha for extra color and a stronger flavor.