Kukicha (pronounced koo-kee-CHA) Japanese "twig tea”, comprised mostly of stems from the tea leaf itself, yields a light cup with a distinctly wonderful, toasty flavor. Lower in caffeine than most green teas. Very high-quality Japanese flavor.
Quality Kukicha is from small stems and bits of leaf removed from leaves used to make sencha; gyokuro; or tencha, which is the grade of leaf used in production of matcha. Kukicha has a toasty, roasty flavor.
Known for its aromatic properties, Kukicha is best when brewed in water that is hotter than that generally used for green teas. This higher temperature brings out the aroma. Kukicha has little caffeine.
Our Kukicha is from Shizuoka Prefecture, slightly south and west of Tokyo.
Kukicha is lower in caffeine than most green teas, as there is little leaf involved, being mostly stems and small twigs.
Japanese Green Tea stems and leaves.
- Scoop a slightly heaping teaspoon of tea leaves into your infuser.
- Heat water to 190° - 200° (just before boiling).
- Pour 8 oz. of water over tea leaves.
- Steep tea for 3-5 minutes (depending on taste preference).
- Remove infuser and enjoy tea.
Simply add to your infuser one rounded teaspoonful of Kukicha per 8 oz. of water and place it in your pot, then add the appropriate amount of 190° - 200° water and let it steep for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the infuser and serve!
We do not recommend drinking Kukicha over ice.
