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.
Brewing Instructions Per 8 oz. of Water
Making iced tea is easier than ever with this Mist Iced Tea Jug from Forlife Design, ideal for both cold brewing and traditional iced tea brewing.
A bit of history
Cold brewing, steeping tea slowly in cold water, is a gentle way to make a smooth, refreshing pitcher, and glass lets you watch the color develop as the tea steeps.
Good to know
The 0.5 mm stainless steel filter catches tea leaves for smooth pouring.
A double-ring silicone gasket keeps the lid secure while serving.
Made of true borosilicate hand-blown glass that can take both hot and ice-cold water.
The filter and gasket come apart easily for cleaning.
How to use
For cold brew, add loose-leaf tea to the filter, fill with cold water and refrigerate for several hours. For traditional iced tea, brew it hot and strong in the jug, then add ice.
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 for more iced tea ideas.
Perfect for tea storage, this air-tight tin keeps your tea safe from moisture and light.
A bit of history
Tea lovers have kept their leaves in special containers for centuries. The English word "caddy," for a tea container, comes from "kati," an Asian unit of weight of a little over a pound used in the tea trade.
Good to know
Steel tin with a food-grade, BPA-free lining.
Steel wire clasp and rubber seal.
Holds 5 oz. of tea.
How to use
Store loose-leaf tea away from heat, light, moisture and strong odors. Keeping each tea in its own sealed tin helps it stay flavorful between cups. Label each tin with the tea name and date so you always know what's inside, and buy in amounts you will enjoy within a few months for the best flavor.
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.
Enjoy your favorite tea in this satin-finish mug. Its soft, smooth surface and peaceful colors are easy on the eyes and relax your senses.
A bit of history
Brewing tea directly in a mug with an infuser is a modern take on a very old idea: giving loose leaves room to expand so they can release their full flavor.
Good to know
The large stainless steel infuser with extra-fine holes lets tea expand fully, bringing out more flavor and fragrance.
The stainless steel lid doubles as an infuser holder.
Care: metal utensils can leave gray marks on the satin glaze. This is not a defect.
How to use
Add loose-leaf tea to the infuser, pour hot water, cover with the lid and steep. Lift the infuser out and rest it on the upturned lid.
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.
From Forlife Design, this tall NewLeaf tea mug is designed with simplicity and functionality in mind.
A bit of history
Brewing in glass lets you watch the leaves unfurl and the color of the tea develop, which is part of the pleasure of loose-leaf tea. Borosilicate glass, which tolerates heat well, was developed in Germany by the glassmaker Otto Schott in the late 19th century.
Good to know
The large stainless steel infuser with extra-fine mesh allows tea to expand fully for more flavor and fragrance.
The lid doubles as a drip dish for the infuser.
How to use
Add loose-leaf tea to the infuser, pour hot water and cover. When the tea reaches your preferred strength, remove the infuser and rest it on the lid.
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.
From Forlife Design, this Tea for One set combines a teapot with a built-in extra-fine infuser and a matching cup, for a simple, clean way to make your own cup of tea.
A bit of history
The "tea for one" set, a small teapot that nests on its own cup, is a classic of tea culture, made for a quiet personal tea break.
Good to know
The extra-fine 0.3 mm stainless steel infuser lets tea leaves fully expand for a perfect steep every time.
Dimensions: L 5.75" x W 4" x H 5.75" (L 14.6 cm x W 10.1 cm x H 14.6 cm).
How to use
Add loose-leaf tea to the infuser, fill the pot with hot water at the right temperature for your tea, steep, then remove the infuser and pour.
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.
Muslin cotton tea and spice bags with drawstrings: a reusable way to brew loose-leaf tea and spices.
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
Pack of 5 bags.
Two sizes: 5" x 3" (big mug or small teapot) and 6" x 4" (large teapot).
How to use
Fill a bag with loose-leaf tea or spices, pull the drawstring closed and steep. Leave room for the leaves to expand. Rinse and let dry after each use.
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.
This 8 oz. ceramic matcha bowl has a wide opening that is perfect for matcha whisking.
A bit of history
Matcha has been whisked in bowls since powdered tea was brought from China to Japan, traditionally credited to the monk Eisai around 1191. In the Japanese tea ceremony, refined by the tea master Sen no Rikyu in the 16th century, a bowl, a bamboo whisk and a scoop are the essential tools.
Good to know
8 oz. ceramic bowl.
The wide shape gives the whisk plenty of room to create a light froth.
How to use
Sift matcha into the bowl, add a little hot water and whisk into a paste, then add more water (about 160–175°F as a general guideline) and whisk briskly in a zigzag motion until frothy.
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 Matcha collection.
From Forlife Design, this stylish bell-shaped glass teapot comes complete with a basket infuser and push-on lid.
A bit of history
Brewing in glass lets you watch the leaves unfurl and the color of the tea develop, which is part of the pleasure of loose-leaf tea. Borosilicate glass, which tolerates heat well, was developed in Germany by the glassmaker Otto Schott in the late 19th century.
Good to know
The infuser lets the tea leaves fully unfold and expand, so you can make a perfect pot every time.
Dimensions: L 5.5" x W 4.25" x H 3.5" (L 14.0 cm x W 10.8 cm x H 8.9 cm).
How to use
Add loose-leaf tea to the basket, pour in hot water, steep, then lift out the basket and serve.
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.
From Forlife Design, this stylish bell-shaped glass teapot comes complete with a basket infuser and push-on lid, sized for sharing.
A bit of history
Brewing in glass lets you watch the leaves unfurl and the color of the tea develop, which is part of the pleasure of loose-leaf tea. Borosilicate glass, which tolerates heat well, was developed in Germany by the glassmaker Otto Schott in the late 19th century.
Good to know
The infuser lets the tea leaves fully unfold and expand, so you can make a perfect pot every time.
Dimensions: L 6.5" x W 4.8" x H 4.5" (L 16.5 cm x W 12.2 cm x H 11.4 cm).
How to use
Add loose-leaf tea to the basket, pour in hot water, steep, then lift out the basket and serve.
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.
A simple essential: this food-grade stainless steel mesh tea strainer has a handle and is 2.5 inches in diameter.
A bit of history
Strainers have been part of loose-leaf tea brewing for generations, making it easy to enjoy whole leaves without bits in your cup. A simple strainer is one of the easiest ways to start brewing loose-leaf tea, whether in a mug, a cup or a small teapot.
Good to know
Food-grade stainless steel.
2.5-inch diameter with handle.
How to use
Place loose-leaf tea in the strainer, rest it over your cup, pour in hot water and steep. Lift it out when the tea reaches your preferred strength, then rinse clean. Leave room for the leaves to expand. It works with most black, green, oolong and herbal teas.
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.
This is a traditional bamboo matcha whisk, or chasen. With the proper tools, making matcha is easy.
A bit of history
Matcha has been whisked in bowls since powdered tea was brought from China to Japan, traditionally credited to the monk Eisai around 1191. In the Japanese tea ceremony, refined by the tea master Sen no Rikyu in the 16th century, a bowl, a bamboo whisk and a scoop are the essential tools. The town of Takayama, in Nara, has been the principal home of Japanese chasen making since the Muromachi period.
Good to know
Carved from a single piece of bamboo into fine tines.
The tines create the light froth that is the hallmark of a well-made bowl.
How to use
Soak the whisk briefly in warm water before use. Whisk matcha with water in a brisk zigzag motion until frothy. Rinse with warm water and let dry upright.
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 Matcha collection.
This electric matcha whisk is made of food-grade 18/8 stainless steel and food-grade rubber. With the proper tools, making matcha is easy.
A bit of history
Matcha has been whisked in bowls since powdered tea was brought from China to Japan, traditionally credited to the monk Eisai around 1191. In the Japanese tea ceremony, refined by the tea master Sen no Rikyu in the 16th century, a bowl, a bamboo whisk and a scoop are the essential tools. This electric whisk is a convenient modern option, especially for lattes.
Good to know
Operated by an electric motor (AAA batteries not included).
Food-grade 18/8 stainless steel and rubber.
How to use
Whisk matcha with a little water into a smooth paste, then add more water or milk and whisk until frothy.
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 Matcha collection.
This stainless steel measuring spoon makes matcha making easier.
A bit of history
Matcha has been whisked in bowls since powdered tea was brought from China to Japan, traditionally credited to the monk Eisai around 1191. In the Japanese tea ceremony, refined by the tea master Sen no Rikyu in the 16th century, a bowl, a bamboo whisk and a scoop are the essential tools.
Good to know
Use one spoon of matcha per 8 oz of water.
Made of food-grade stainless steel.
A consistent measure helps you get the same strength bowl every time.
How to use
Scoop one level spoon into your bowl, add hot water (about 160–175°F as a general guideline) and whisk until frothy. For a stronger, thicker bowl, use a little less water. A sifter helps prevent lumps.
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 Matcha collection.
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.