Kukicha

Kukicha, also known as 'twig tea' or 'bou-cha,' is a Japanese green tea made primarily from the stems, stalks, and twigs of the tea plant rather than the leaves. This gives it an unusually low caffeine content and a distinctive sweet, nutty, and slightly creamy flavor profile. The pale yellow-green infusion has a light, clean body with gentle umami notes and no bitterness. Kukicha made from gyokuro or matcha stems (karigane) is considered especially refined.

Recommended vessel: Kyusu or any teapot

Kukicha's stems and twigs are forgiving and hard to overbrew. Karigane (kukicha from gyokuro stems) benefits from a lower temperature of 60-70°C. Standard kukicha can go up to 85°C. Excellent for cold brewing overnight.