Country of Origin: Japan
Grade: A unique tea in that it contains stems and stalks from the production of Sencha.
Cup Characteristics: The quality of Japanese tea is judged by its harmony of fresh bitterness and natural sweetness.
Infusion: Mildly sweet, bright taste, transparent green color.

Information:
Japanese teas are always a surprise.  Kukicha is one of those surprises. Nothing is wasted in the processing of this precious drink.  It is a uniquely Japanes invention.  Kuki means twig cha-tea.  The tea is made from twigs, leaves, and stalks cut from Sencha production.  Leaves and stalks are processed separately and cut in the same size.  As the majority of the tea is leaves and stems, Kukicha is low in caffeine and a wonderful tea in the afternoon or before bed.  

What is so good about green tea in general?
It increases academic performance, concentration, immunity, energy and vivacity.  And YES!  Antioxidants!  Consuming green tea keeps us young, healthy, and beautiful!

The flavor of Japanese Green Tea balances fresh bitterness and natural sweetness.  The bitterness comes from catechin and caffeine and its sweetness from theanine, an amino acid.  

The brewing water temperature has a sigificant effect on the extraction for the three major components thus affecting the taste of tea.  Catechin and caffeine are more easily extracted with hotter water, while the extraction of theanine is relatively stable regardless of water temperature.  

Kukicha is the tea you will want to enjoy the aroma as well as the taste; for this tea we recommend using water at 180F for your first cup.  We suggest two infusions:

First cup:  1 heaping spoon for 3 oz of water; steep 60 Seconds.
Second cup:  Water boiled; steep 15 seconds.

Take time for tea.  One or two tea breaks during a busy day will lift your spirits.  Drinking several delicious cups of tea during the day, or with meals may keep you healthier than any medicine.  That is the reason why people hav loved tea for 5000 years!