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All About Kukicha Tea

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Kukicha Green Tea: An Introduction

Kukicha tea is an unusual sort of Japanese green tea. As you can see from the image to the side, it doesn't quite look like other green teas at all, and that's for good reason - it's not like them.

A little rarer than your average tea (but still readily available if you know where to look!), it's also a little more delicate, and something you have to try to understand why people who have tried it rave about it. Read on for a first taste of Kukicha!

What is Kukicha Tea?

Kukicha tea is a Japanese variety of green tea, dramatically distinguished from other green teas - in fact, almost all other teas - by the use of the stems of the plant, as well as the shoots. This is also why it's often called 'Kukicha twig tea' - it literally has twigs in it. Now, whilst that doesn't sound like the best idea in the world, in reality it means that the tea has a lighter, fresher flavour even than the one normally associated with more common green teas. Kukicha tea tastes almost herbal because of the inclusion of the twigs, and provides a light, gentle drink that will surprise the uninitiated greatly.

The tea comes primarily from the same plants that Sencha and Matcha teas come from - simply using the parts of the tea plants not used in the production of the others. Its flavour is considered to be unique among true teas, and the smell is better than scented candles any day.

Certified Organic Kukicha Tea

This certified organic Kukicha twig tea is unroasted and has a low caffiene content for the health conscious. It is best brewed at a cooler temperature than other green teas to make the most of the fresh, delicate flavour of this gorgeous Japanese tea.

This is always my first choice for a refreshing pick-me-up when I'm feeling a little run down. That, and it looks so unusual that it's easy to get curious people to have a cup with you, so you're never short a friend to share it with.

Kukicha Twig Tea Organic - 1 lb,(Starwest Botanicals)

Amazon Price: (as of 05/28/2012)

Kukicha Tea Health Benefits

Did you know that Kukicha tea is one of the preferred foods for people on a macrobiotic diet? Here's a quick look at some of the health benefits of Kukicha tea:

Low in caffeine, even for a green tea, so it's much safer to drink for people with a variety of health issues.
Unusually high in antioxidants, which are chemicals that control the volume of free radicals in the body.
Contains proven anti-carcinogens (which aid in preventing and fighting cancer, as well as other diseases).
Some studies even suggest that it goes a long way to stabilising blood sugar levels, making it great for diabetics.
It tastes fresh and clean. Anything this good just has to be good for you, right?

How to Brew Kukicha Tea

Traditionally, Kukicha tea is steeped three to four times, with the best durations for each steeping (at least, for the tea above, I think) being about 40 seconds, then 20, then another 35. Or thereabouts, allowing for missed counting.

The main thing to keep in mind is long-short-long. That, and experimenting is okay, and that over-steeped tea tastes awful.