Tea: NaturaliTea Kukicha

Grower: The Kinezuka Family

Origin: Nakayama Village in Fujieda: Shizuoka, Japan

Cultivation: Natural (Organic, but no certification)

Harvest Date: Spring 2013

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Kukicha, literally "stem tea", is made from the stems of green tea leaves. This particular version is made with flavorful first flush leaves, with the stems carefully separated during the production process.

The resulting tea is made completely of small but whole stems, producing a brilliantly bright green appearance and a bright, rich aroma. The flavor is sweet and grassy with fresh citrus notes and a hint of seaweed, with very little bitterness and a very refreshing aftertaste.

Grown on the Kinezuka Family's all-natural farm. Headed by Toshiaki Kinezuka, NaturaliTea has been growing all-natural tea for 36 years in Nakayama Village in Shizuoka, Japan. Their teas are grown at an altitude of 350m (1150ft), with the Yabukita cultivar.

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Recommended Brewing Instructions: Use 2tsp (~4g) of leaves per 4oz (250ml) of water.
Brew for 1-2 minutes.

- 195F for a sweet, mellow profile with lemon notes.

- 205F for a sweet-tart, full and grassy profile with bright lemon notes and a rounded texture.