Description
Kukicha (Stems of Sencha). 2024 1st Harvest. Naturally grown with no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers on the Kinezuka Family Farm.
Origin: Fujieda, Shizuoka Prefecture.
Cultivar: Yabukita
Stem Teas (Kukicha) can be made from Sencha, Gyokuro, or Houjicha. This one is made with first harvest Sencha and infuses to a golden-green color with a light forest aroma. They are some grassy notes, but also sweet notes of chestnut and green grapes. This is a very well-balanced tea flavor-wise, but most impressive is the ability to hold flavor over multiple infusions. I find that many Kukicha I've tried in the past wane after about three infusions, but this one can last up to six infusions with careful brewing. A relaxing and enjoyable tea experience!
Tenth-generation tea farmer Toshiaki Kinezuka was a pioneer of organic tea farming in Shizuoka Prefecture, which grows the largest prefectural share of tea in Japan. Starting natural farming methods in 1976, his dedication and practices have continued with his family, and have spread to other farmers and consumers in the region. From the family's website, "It took three years of hard work before finally getting a harvest that met his standards for quality, but thanks to a dedicated group of consumers and collaborators, he was able to persevere through the first few years and fulfill his dream of creating an entirely organic tea company. In the time since, he has continued to study how to maintain the highest standards of environmental stewardship while producing great tea. He has drawn other local farmers into the organic tea cooperative, and actively pursued the spread of sustainable tea production in Shizuoka, Japan, and the entire world. This practice now continues with his children and grandchildren."