Kukicha Tea
Twig Tea
Kukicha, or twig tea, is made mostly from stems and stalks separated during sencha production.
Flavor Profile
What does Kukicha taste like?
Kukicha, or twig tea, is made mostly from stems and stalks separated during sencha production. The cup is smooth and mild with a gentle vegetal sweetness, a hint of marine depth, and very little bitterness. Its caffeine level is among the lowest of Japanese teas. Kukicha is easy to drink at any time of day and handles longer steeps without turning harsh.
Bar length reflects the relative prominence of each flavor note (dominant first), not a laboratory measurement.
Origin
Shizuoka, Japan
Kukicha is a byproduct of sencha and gyokuro production, most associated with Shizuoka.
Known for steamed green teas, shade-grown umami, and powdered matcha.
Brewing Guide
How to Brew Kukicha
Brewing parameters are a starting point and can be adjusted to taste.
Caffeine
Caffeine in Kukicha
Typical brewed serving
Kukicha is a low-caffeine green tea. A typical brewed serving contains about 8–20 mg of caffeine.
Values can vary depending on quantity, brewing time, serving size, and preparation method.
Keep Exploring
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Side by Side
Want to see how Kukicha compares?
Put Kukicha next to Sencha and compare flavor, origin, caffeine, and brewing side by side.
FAQ
Kukicha Tea FAQ
Quick answers about Kukicha tea, drawn from its flavor, origin, caffeine, and brewing profile.
What is Kukicha tea?
Kukicha, or twig tea, is made mostly from stems and stalks separated during sencha production. It is also known as Twig Tea.
Does Kukicha tea have caffeine?
Yes. Kukicha is a low-caffeine tea, typically 8–20 mg per brewed serving.
What does Kukicha tea taste like?
Kukicha is known for a profile led by Vegetal, Grassy, and Sweet, with a light body.
How do you brew Kukicha tea?
Use about 3 g of tea per 250 ml of water at 70–80°C, steeping for 1–2 minutes. It can be re-steeped 2–3 times.
Is Kukicha tea bitter?
Bitterness is not a defining note of Kukicha; its profile centers on Vegetal, Grassy, and Sweet.