Kukicha
Kukicha
Nutty, creamy and mellow, Kukicha is a traditional green tea from Japan. Our Kukicha uses a Sencha and Gyokuro base with both young leaves and stems.
History & Heritage
Kukicha means "stem tea" and is sometimes called twig tea. It has humble roots: it was traditionally made from the stems and stalks left over from processing leaf tea, a frugal way for farmers to make use of every part of the harvest. What began as a thrifty everyday drink has become a well-loved tea in its own right, prized for its gentle, sweet character. Bancha, the later-season harvest, is another of Japan's traditional everyday teas, and like Kukicha it reflects a practical, nothing-wasted approach to tea.
Interesting Facts
The Gyokuro base leaves enhance the umami (a Japanese term for savory flavor) and give the tea a unique flavor profile.
Kukicha is very low in caffeine, among the lowest of traditional teas.
In Japan it can even be mixed with juice to make a children's drink.
Stems give the tea a lighter color and a naturally sweet taste.
Tasting Notes & Pairings
It brews a flavorful cup that is nutty and slightly creamy, with very little bitterness. It is easy to enjoy any time of day, including the evening. Pair it with rice dishes, roasted vegetables, or simple rice crackers. Its soft sweetness also makes it a lovely iced tea in summer, and a gentle choice for those who find other green teas too grassy.
Brewing tips (general guideline): use 1 heaping teaspoon (about 3 g) per 8 oz of water at 175–185°F, steeped 1–3 minutes. Adjust to taste.
Like every tea at Beantown Tea & Spices, Kukicha is a quality loose-leaf tea offered at an affordable price, with sample and larger sizes so you can find your favorite. Explore more in our Green Tea collection, or pair it with our tea accessories.
Making loose-leaf tea easy and convenient: these biodegradable, disposable filters have an elongated back that makes filling easy and needs no filter holder.
A bit of history
The convenience of bagged tea has a long history. Tea merchant Thomas Sullivan is often credited with popularizing tea bags after he sent customers samples in small silk bags in 1908, though earlier designs for tea-leaf holders had already been patented a few years before.
Good to know
Made in Germany of taste-neutral wood and abaca fibers.
Non-chlorine bleached with oxygen.
100 filters per package. Size: 7 inches long and 3 inches wide.
How to use
Fill with your favorite loose-leaf tea, leaving room for the leaves to expand, then simply fold the filter over the edge of your cup or teapot and steep. Lift it out and compost or discard it when done.
At Beantown Tea & Spices, we focus on quality tea and tea essentials at affordable prices. Explore more in our Tea Accessories collection, or browse our Tea Info brewing guide.