ARIEL Kukicha

ARIEL Japanese Kukicha is a Japanese green tea made from stems, stalks, and leaf veins rather than leaves – also known as twig tea. Available in a 1 kg bulk format for café and specialty retail programmes, Kosher certified and naturally lower in caffeine than leaf-based teas. It is a distinctive addition for buyers building a varied green tea or low-caffeine menu offering.

Tasting Notes

The cup is pale yellow-green and clear, with a naturally sweet, mildly nutty character and a smooth, clean finish. The stem-and-stalk composition produces a gentler, less astringent cup than leaf teas – accessible for guests who find standard green teas too sharp.

Origin

Kukicha originates from Japan, where it was traditionally prepared using stems and stalks separated during leaf processing. The name translates as 'twig tea', and the pale, needle-like stems visible in the loose leaf are its defining visual characteristic. It is now valued internationally for its mild profile and distinct flavour.

Brewing

Steep 2.5 g per 200 ml at 70 to 85 °C for 3 to 4 minutes. Lower temperatures produce a sweeter, milder cup; higher temperatures bring out more of the green character. At this ratio, a 1 kg bag yields approximately 400 portions.

Additional Information

• Ingredients: Japanese whole leaf green tea
• Format: 1 kg bulk loose leaf
• Certifications: Kosher
• Foundation: Humaniterra Foundation
• Type: Green tea (twig tea), single origin, loose leaf