Emptea Kukicha Twig Tea Yame Shiraore - Shade-Grown Kabusecha, Umami-Rich Japanese Green Tea Loose Leaf, First Harvest from Yame Japan, Low Caffeine 2.82oz (80g)

Our kukicha is made from first-harvest kabusecha in Yame, Fukuoka, one of Japan's most celebrated tea regions. The tea plants are shaded for approximately 14 days before picking, which boosts L-theanine and chlorophyll for deeper umami and a more vivid green color. Most kukicha is made almost entirely from stems, producing a light, delicate brew. Ours uses 100% first-harvest material with a higher proportion of leaf, giving it fuller body, deeper color, and more pronounced umami while staying gentle and approachable. The flavor is naturally sweet and mellow with a clean, refreshing finish. The stems carry rich umami and sweetness, with low bitterness and astringency. A fresh, lightly aromatic character unique to twig tea. Tea stems are inherently lower in caffeine than leaves, making kukicha one of the gentlest options in Japanese green tea. Ideal for afternoon and evening drinking, or for those who enjoy multiple cups throughout the day. Brews beautifully hot or as a cold brew (Mizudashi). For hot brewing, use water around 80~90C (176~194F) and steep briefly to bring out sweetness and aroma. Each pouch contains 2.82oz (80g) of loose leaf tea, sealed in an aluminum-lined bag to preserve freshness.

• Yame Shade-Grown Kukicha: Made entirely from first-harvest kabusecha grown in Yame, Fukuoka, one of Japan's most celebrated tea regions. The tea is shaded for approximately 14 days before picking, which amplifies L-theanine and chlorophyll, resulting in deeper umami and brighter green color.
• Fuller Body Than Typical Kukicha: Most kukicha is made almost entirely from stems, producing a light, delicate brew. Ours uses 100% first-harvest material with a higher proportion of leaf, giving it fuller body, deeper color, and more pronounced umami while staying gentle and approachable.
• Flavor Profile: Naturally sweet and mellow with a clean, refreshing finish. The stems carry rich umami and sweetness, with low bitterness and astringency. A fresh, lightly aromatic character unique to twig tea.
• Naturally Low in Caffeine: Tea stems are inherently lower in caffeine than leaves, making kukicha one of the gentlest options in Japanese green tea. Ideal for afternoon and evening drinking, or for those who enjoy multiple cups throughout the day.
• Versatile Hot or Cold: Brews beautifully hot or as a cold brew (Mizudashi). For hot brewing, use water around 80~90C (176~194F) and steep briefly to bring out sweetness and aroma. Each pouch (2.82oz / 80g) is sealed in an aluminum-lined bag to preserve freshness.