{"title":"Kukicha","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eKukicha\u003c\/em\u003e (茎茶) is a unique looking tea in that it contains stems and stalks from the production of sencha or gyokuro. This stem tea has a unique aroma, natural sweetness, and contains a high L-theanine (amino acid) level which promotes calmness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[***]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e\u003c!--\n.kukicha {float:right; margin-left:35px;}\n@media only screen and (max-width: 480px) {\n\t.kukicha {float:none; margin-left:none; margin:auto; text-align:center; margin-bottom:20px; width:96%; height:auto;}\n}\n--\u003e\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cp id=\"kukicha\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ca name=\"What-is-kukicha\" id=\"What-is-kukicha\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat is kukicha?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"text-align: right;\" data-mce-style=\"text-align: right;\"\u003e\u003cimg data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 15px; float: right;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0529\/3909\/6222\/files\/KukichaDiagram.jpg?v=1613514522\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0529\/3909\/6222\/files\/KukichaDiagram.jpg?v=1613514522\" data-mce-style=\"margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 15px; float: right;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eKuki\u003c\/em\u003e can mean \"stem,\" \"twig\" or \"stalk\", and \u003cem\u003echa\u003c\/em\u003e means \"tea\". After picking the leaves, the farmer makes a tea called \u003cem\u003earacha \u003c\/em\u003e(荒茶) or \"crude tea\". \u003cem\u003eAracha\u003c\/em\u003e is made up of irregular shaped leaves, small broken leaves, and stems. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"s1\"\u003eAracha is not a finished tea nor is it worth selling to consumers. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"s1\"\u003eAt a re-manufacturing factory like the one at Den's parent company, Shirakata-Denshiro Shoten, Aracha is processed into sencha or gyokuro by sifting, sorting leaves by size, removing stems, broken leaves, etc. So, kukicha can be considered as a secondary product of sencha or gyokuro. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"s1\"\u003eIt was once traded very cheaply because the Japanese were mostly interested in sencha or gyokuro and did not pay attention to kukicha. However, they later came to appreciate kukicha's unique, more mellow profile. Nowadays, it is as valued as sencha or gyokuro.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr style=\"clear: both; margin: 25px 10px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhich part of bush is used for kukicha?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"text-align: right;\" data-mce-style=\"text-align: right;\"\u003e\u003cimg data-mce-fragment=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0529\/3909\/6222\/files\/PartOfKukicha.png?v=1613514585\" alt=\"kukicha image\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 15px; float: right;\" data-mce-style=\"margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 15px; float: right;\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0529\/3909\/6222\/files\/PartOfKukicha.png?v=1613514585\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"s1\"\u003eThe picture on the right shows which part of the plant can be used for kukicha. When tea leaves are picked, the stems are picked at the same time. While the good tea leaves are steamed, rolled, kneaded and dried, the stems and many torn or broken tea leaves are separated from the good tea.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr style=\"clear: both; margin: 25px 10px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHealth benefits and exceptional flavor\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"s1\"\u003eComparatively speaking, the stem of the tea plant are known to contain more L-theanine (a factor of umami), pyrazine (an aromatic organic compound) and geraniol linalool (a flowery or sweet aroma). This is because the L-theanine in the tea leaf turns into tannins (a factor of bitterness) through photosynthesis caused by sunshine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"s1\"\u003eHowever, photosynthesis does not occur in the \u003cem\u003estems\u003c\/em\u003e of the tea plant, even under sunshine, so L-theanine remains in the stem, resulting a pure umami taste.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eL-theanine is known for its benefits as a relaxant. It generates alpha-waves in the brain. Alpha waves are emitted when the brain is in a relaxed state. Scientists are also examining L-theanine’s ability to improve the brain’s memory capability.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/green-tea-health#relaxation\"\u003eMore about L-theanine… \u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr style=\"clear: both;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow kuki (stems) are separated?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"s1\"\u003eThere are two steps to take stems out of the Aracha:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"s1\"\u003eNo.1 Denbo - Statistic electricity drum machine called a \u003cem\u003edenbo\u003c\/em\u003e that uses an electrical stick. The tea leaves pass through a rolling drum containing high voltage electricity. Since stems are drier, the drum can easily pick them up using static electricity. The tea leaves, which contain more moisture, pass through since they don't stick to the drum.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin: 25px 0; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"98%\" height=\"460\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/tZS7NRuCehA\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin: 25px 0; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"p1\" style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"s1\"\u003eNo. 2 Shikibetsu - A color sorting machine, called a \u003cem\u003eshikibetsu\u003c\/em\u003e, separates the material by color. This machine has many slots that the tea passes through. At the bottom, a color sensor recognizes the color of the tea leaf. If the color is pale, the sensor blows a stream of air to hit the pale colored stems while the green tea passes through. Isn't it amazing?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"98%\" height=\"460\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/NfB8YERzpMA\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat determines the quality of kukicha?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"s1\"\u003eSeeing as how kukicha is just the stem material of sencha and gyokuro, the quality of a kukicha simply depends on the quality of the sencha or gyokuro that it is made of. If the kukicha comes from good quality tea then the quality of the kukicha will also be good.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr style=\"clear: both;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEver heard of karigane?\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eKarigane\u003c\/em\u003e is a Japanese term for wild geese. Japanese folklore says that some of these wild geese often hold small branches in their beaks when they fly. They then put them on the water and sit on them. The branches they carry resemble twigs of tea bushes, so kukicha (twig tea) has been called \"karigane\" in some areas of Japan.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr style=\"clear: both;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBrewing\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eKukicha is a casual brewer's dream. Kukicha contains a high amount of L-theanine with lower amount of tannin, so, even if you brew it with high temperature water, it is difficult for it to become bitter. Instead, you experience the brew's rich body, light, vegetal sweetness, and gentle aroma. In general, for kukicha we recommend 180F water and a steeping time of about 60 seconds, but you are welcome to explore different water temperatures and steeping times.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"roasted kukicha\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0529\/3909\/6222\/files\/RoastedKukicha.png?v=1613514653\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"houji-kukicha-roasted-kukicha","title":"Hoji-Kukicha (Roasted Kukicha)","description":"\u003cp\u003eHoji-Kukicha brews up an earthy, brown-colored liquor. Hoji-Kukicha is often served in traditional Japanese restaurants between or after meals to refresh your mouth. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOrigin: Shizuoka\u003cbr\u003eHarvest: Between First and Second Harvests\u003cbr\u003eCultivar: Yabukita \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Profile:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt offers an elegant roasted aroma and umami taste from the stems. As you sip it, you may experience the interesting combination of a roasted flavor and a buttery mouth feel. The taste is rather unique, but it works, and will get your attention with the first sip. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDen's Preferred Brewing:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeaf-water ratio: 2-3 g (~1 tsp)\/4 oz\u003cbr\u003eWater: Boiled; Steep: 30 sec\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e2nd Cup\u003c\/span\u003e Water: Boiled; Steep 15 sec\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor a cup of Iced Tea:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSteep as directed for hot tea.\u003cbr\u003eOnce you brew it, put ice into the cup to lock in the aroma.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Den's Tea","offers":[{"title":"2 oz (56 g)","offer_id":47527558512855,"sku":"1605","price":7.75,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 lb (454 g)","offer_id":37506968682654,"sku":"1606","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0529\/3909\/6222\/products\/hoji-kukicha2019.jpg?v=1756840420"},{"product_id":"karigane-hojicha","title":"Karigane Hojicha","description":"\u003cp\u003eKarigane Hojicha is lightly roasted karigane. Karigane is kukicha made from gyokuro, Japan's top grade of green tea. The result is a hojicha with an exceptional taste and good umami. Compared to our Hojicha Gold, the Karigane Hojicha has the same roasted flavor with virtually zero bitterness. Plus, you will experience a deep after taste on your tongue and aroma through the nose.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOrigin: Asahina, Shizuoka\u003cbr\u003eHarvest: First Flush\u003cbr\u003eCultivar: Yabukita \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Profile:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSimilar to our Karigane, it has a good level of umami but unlike karigane, it has a toasted vegetable flavor. Also unlike regular hojicha, a subtle roasted note gently lingers for awhile in your mouth. It is a hojicha, but somewhat more elegant. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDen's Preferred Brewing:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeaf-water ratio: 2-3 g (~1 tsp)\/4 oz\u003cbr\u003eWater: Boiled; Steep: 30 sec\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e2nd Cup\u003c\/span\u003e Water: Boiled; Steep 15 sec \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor a cup of Iced Tea:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSteep as directed for hot tea. Once you brew it, put ice into the cup to lock in the aroma.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Den's Tea","offers":[{"title":"2 oz (56 g)","offer_id":47527558480087,"sku":"1614","price":12.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 lb (454 g)","offer_id":46260578713815,"sku":"1615","price":80.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0529\/3909\/6222\/products\/karigane-hojicha2019.jpg?v=1756840419"},{"product_id":"green-kukicha","title":"Green Kukicha","description":"\u003cp\u003eFor our Green Kukicha, we add a slight roasting to the production process, which enhances the aroma and flavor. The aroma itself can be described as earthy and slightly toasted.  This tea serves an excellent, casual drinker for your laid back tea session.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOrigin: Shizuoka\u003cbr\u003eHarvest: First Flush\u003cbr\u003eCultivar: Yabukita \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Profile:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt has an impressive mild green vegetal flavor with virtually zero bitterness. Its mildly sweet taste contributes to a vibrant and healthy spirit.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDen's Preferred Brewing:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeaf-water ratio: 2-3 g (~1 tsp)\/4 oz\u003cbr\u003eWater: 180°F; Steep: 45 sec\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e2nd Cup\u003c\/span\u003e Water: Boiled; Steep 15 sec\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Den's Tea","offers":[{"title":"2 oz (56 g)","offer_id":47527558414551,"sku":"1702","price":9.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 lb (454 g)","offer_id":37507022028958,"sku":"1703","price":58.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0529\/3909\/6222\/products\/green-kukicha2019.jpg?v=1756840417"},{"product_id":"karigane-gyokuro-kukicha","title":"Karigane (Gyokuro Kukicha)","description":"\u003cp\u003eKukicha is usually made from the stems and stalks of sencha. In the Kyoto area, kukicha is called \"karigane\" and is made from gyokuro.\u003cbr\u003eDen's Karigane is made of 100% first flush gyokuro kukicha grown in Asahina, Shizuoka--one of the prestige gyokuro producing areas of Japan. \u003cbr\u003eGyokuro leaves contain higher levels of theanine than sencha leaves. Theanine gives the tea a slightly sweet umami profile. Kukicha (\"twig tea\") is known to contain higher levels theanine than the leaves themselves. Consequently, you can imagine that the stems of gyokuro, a tea that already has much theanine, would have even more. Therefore, you might find that Den's Karigane has more umami than gyokuro while still having gyokuro's seaweed like aroma and flavor. This tea possesses some green vegetable notes found in standard kukicha.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOrigin: Asahina, Shizuoka\u003cbr\u003eHarvest: First Flush\u003cbr\u003eCultivar: Yabukita \u0026amp; Okumidori \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Profile:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSimilar to gyokuro, karigane has a good level of umami. Like kukicha, it also has a mild green vegetable flavor. The vegetable flavor lingers for a while and the umami comes back as an aftertaste.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKarigane is a tea that can be brewed \"casually\". Try a slightly higher water temperature or vary the brewing time to find the flavor that suits your taste. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDen's Preferred Brewing:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeaf-water ratio: 2-3 g (~1 tsp)\/4 oz\u003cbr\u003eWater: 180°F; Steep: 60 sec\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e2nd Cup\u003c\/span\u003e Water: Boiled; Steep 15 sec\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Den's Tea","offers":[{"title":"2 oz (56 g)","offer_id":47527558381783,"sku":"1705","price":16.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 lb (454 g)","offer_id":37507026714782,"sku":"1706","price":110.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0529\/3909\/6222\/products\/karigane2019.jpg?v=1756840416"},{"product_id":"organic-kukicha","title":"Organic Green Kukicha","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eMade with stems taken only from first flush organic sencha from Miyazaki. A light roasting process adds a unique, refreshing quality that is experienced in both the mouth and nose.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eOrigin: Miyazaki\u003cbr\u003eHarvest: First Flush\u003cbr\u003eCultivar: Yabukita\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Profile:\u003c\/strong\u003e A very brothy, rich, umami flavor with little to no bitterness. It tastes very clean and slightly sweet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDen's Preferred Brewing:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeaf-water ratio: 2-3 g (~1 tsp)\/4 oz\u003cbr\u003eWater: 180°F; Steep: 45 sec\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e2nd Cup\u003c\/span\u003e Water: Boiled; Steep 15 sec\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Den's Tea","offers":[{"title":"2 oz (56 g)","offer_id":47527557628119,"sku":"3121","price":11.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 lb (454 g)","offer_id":44134357958871,"sku":"3122","price":76.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0529\/3909\/6222\/files\/green-kukicha500-logo.jpg?v=1756840284"},{"product_id":"kukicha-comparison-set","title":"Kukicha Comparison Set","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhat is the difference between shaded and unshaded kukicha?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis comparison set allows you to taste two different kukicha side-by-side: our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/denstea.com\/collections\/kukicha-tea\/products\/karigane-gyokuro-kukicha\"\u003eKarigane\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/denstea.com\/collections\/kukicha-tea\/products\/green-kukicha\"\u003eGreen Kukicha\u003c\/a\u003e. \u003cem\u003eKarigane\u003c\/em\u003e is a tea type that is made mostly of gyokuro stems, while our Green Kukicha is made mostly of sencha stems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eKukicha\u003c\/em\u003e (AKA \"stem tea\" or \"twig tea\") itself is known to contain less caffeine and more L-theanine than the leaves, as much of the L-theanine in the tea plant is found in the stems. L-theanine imparts an umami, slightly savory note to the tea. Because there is less caffeine and more L-theanine, kukicha is known to have a milder flavor than leaf tea. This is especially true of Karigane, as the shading it goes through preserves more L-theanine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen brewed side-by-side, we believe you will find differences in the color, aroma, and flavor of these teas. The Green Kukicha is a little more robust than the Karigane, while the Karigane is appreciated for its more delicate, marine-like flavor. It is our wish that you will be able to parse out these differences and appreciate them both!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEach set contains one ounce of our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/denstea.com\/collections\/kukicha-tea\/products\/karigane-gyokuro-kukicha\"\u003eKarigane\u003c\/a\u003e and one ounce of our \u003c\/em\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/denstea.com\/collections\/kukicha-tea\/products\/green-kukicha\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eGreen Kukicha\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Den's Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48303697133783,"sku":null,"price":12.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0529\/3909\/6222\/files\/20260217-001.jpg?v=1771539101"},{"product_id":"seasonal-teas-comparison-set","title":"Sakura \u0026 Yuzu Comparison Set","description":"\u003cp\u003eTwo seasonal teas in one set: our Yuzu Kukicha with Matcha and our Sakura Ryokucha. Experience a variety of different flavors and aromas in a single session.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAround the end of winter and the beginning of spring, we retire our Yuzu Kukicha with Matcha and welcome our Sakura Ryokucha. However, this year, we thought we would do something a little different and offer a comparison set that allows you to try both at the same time. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor those that are new, our Yuzu Kukicha with Matcha combines ceremonial grade matcha with kukicha (stems of the tea plant) and dried yuzu chips. Yuzu is a type of Japanese citrus and, together with the matcha, gives the tea a tangy-sweet flavor and aroma.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the other corner, we have our Sakura Ryokucha. When brewed, this tea graces the senses with the gentle aroma and flavor of cherry blossoms and sencha. It is lighty sweet and floral, yet offers just enough bitterness and astringency to keep things interesting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEach comparison set comes with one ounce of Sakura Ryokucha and one ounce of Yuzu Kukicha with Matcha\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Den's Tea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48343270752471,"sku":null,"price":12.88,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0529\/3909\/6222\/files\/902A9074.jpg?v=1772569513"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0529\/3909\/6222\/collections\/89a4eafcba6d28bc5223278dc9ff28cd.jpg?v=1666223177","url":"https:\/\/denstea.com\/collections\/kukicha-tea.oembed","provider":"Den's Tea","version":"1.0","type":"link"}