Recommended Infusion Guide
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Infusions
Kukicha or "twig tea"
Karigane is the most ethereal version of Japanese stem tea, also known as kukicha or twig tea. Kukicha is usually made with sencha green tea. Karigane, however, is another level altogether; made with the highest grade and most delicious of all Japanese green teas - gyokuro.
Along with the precious leaf are incorporated the tender stems, softening the flavour and lowering the astringency of the infused tea. If you would like a gentle version of gyokuro this is your tea.
L-theanine
The leaf is shaded for around 20 days before harvesting, which lowers the bitter properties and increases the sweetness and umami notes. The stem and leaf veins, which are incorporated into this lovely tea, also contain higher levels of L-theanine - a naturally occurring, but rare, amino acid reported to improve mood and brain function whilst lowering blood pressure.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18296328
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6836118
The brothers focus intensely on soil health as the key to growing healthy tea plants and making the most delicious tea. They create their own nutrient rich soil mix with natural fertilisers and carefully nestle each new tea plant in 2 metres deep. This allows for the tea plant's roots to fully develop in the soil mix.
Only harvesting once a year, the leaves that are pruned from the plant throughout the remainder of the year are used to make an organic fertiliser, and returned to the soil, helping maintain the mineral aroma of the tea leaves.
Amazing!
Powerful Cha Qi, that evokes Cha Zui! This is hands down my new favorite green tea by a mile! This is my new go to tea for special occasions and relaxation! I will 100% be keeping this one hand and reordering. If you like green tea and the Cha Zui feeling then this is your tea! Tasting notes are spot on. Infused in gaiwan 30 seconds at 158 degrees. Second infusion increased to 45 seconds. Third infusion increased to 60 seconds.
Like meeting an old friend again.
Recently bought this lovely karigane tea. When I opened the pouch, the aroma brought back memories of enjoying kukicha tea in the quiet early morning before a busy day. Happy that Rare Tea Company has one of my old favorites and will order again.
Lovely green tea
This is a really lovely green tea which has a sweet umami taste - it is very smooth and fresh.
