Description
Since Kukicha teaA thirst-quenching yet delicate beverage made from the select twigs and stems of carefully nurtured green tea bushes that have matured at least three years before cutting. The clippings are sun-dried for up to a week, then precisely roasted according to size and combined with a small percentage of roasted tea leaves. Mild and soothing, Mitoku Kukicha is an ideal drink for children and adults alike, at any time of day. Drink hot in winter or add lemon for a refreshing, clean taste, or in summer serve chilled with apple juice. Lowest in caffeine of all traditional Japanese green teas. contains only one-tenth the caffeine of sencha and because it is the most alkalinizing Japanese tea, it is considered to be the most balanced beverage. After harvesting the twigs are steamed to soften them, and then place outside to dry in the sun for about one week depending upon the weather. Next, the sun dried twigs are placed in brown paper sacks and aged for 2 to 3 years to develop the flavor. After aging, the twigs are cut, graded, and separately roasted according to their size in gas fired cast iron ovens. The patient and ceremonious roasting develops a distinctive flavor and aroma and made Kukicha Tea popular among macrobiotic and natural food aficionados.
