We carry three kinds of kukicha: Sencha, kabusecha and gyokuro. Here the main focus goes to Sencha Karigane.
What Is Kukicha?
Kukicha is tea made from collecting twigs which have dropped out during the selection and sorting process of sencha and gyokuro tea leaves. In Kyoto, the stems of high quality gyokuro have been especially called “Karigane.” However, nowadays all kinds of tea stems are often referred to by the same name, and depending on the region, the stem can even be called "Shiraore." Kukicha is a smooth, plain-tasting tea that is easy to drink. It's also one of the easiest teas to brew, as it releases less bitterness and astringency even when prepared with boiling water.
Quality Differences
sweetness
Weaker and more plain in comparison to the sweetness of regular tea leaves. Does not linger on the tongue or in the back of the throat.
Not noticeable
umami
Smooth, plain sweetness. Does not linger in the aftertaste.
Not noticeable
bitter and astringent
Bitterness and astringency are faint. Harmonizes with the sweetness and Umami in the tea.
Subtle. Astringency is released when brewed with boiling water, but bitterness is still faint.
aroma
The pure aroma of sencha with a subtle green fragrance, unique to twigs. The tea is imbued with the strong aroma when brewed at higher temperatures. The aroma does not have a clean finish.
A monotonous aroma. Superficial and disappears immediately.
colour
The twigs are greenish and soft. No parts are brown. Similar to the tints of leaves.
The twigs are white and hard. Some parts are brown. Obviously thick.
liquor colour
Clear golden yellow. Barely cloudy and highly transparent.
Yellower than leaves. Pale and lacks in brightness. Kukicha from sencha can be reddish, as long as it doesn't affect the flavor.
How to Make Good Cups of Tea (for two)
kukicha has brisk and plain since tea stems have less flavor than regular leaves. It's also one of the easiest teas to brew, especially for beginners as it releases less bitterness and astringency when brewed with boiling water. However, the teas flavor may weaken after the second round when comparing to leaf tea.
Recommended Way To Drink
How to bing ot the sweetness
how to store
Here are some tips to keep your tea fresh and enjoy it to the fullest.