Organic Gyokuro Karigane

A perfect afternoon sipper, this sophisticated tea wastes not. Karigane comprises the stems of our Organic Gyokuro Zairai blend! 

With a mellow yet full-bodied character, we love this karigane for its exceptional, layered flavor profile that’s gentler on the system. Since the stems contain less caffeine than the leaves, we recommend this tea for unwinding while still savoring a beautifully rich cup.

What is Kukicha, Karigane, and Shiraore? 

Kukicha, Karigane, and Shiraore are all teas made from the stems, stalks, and leaf veins of the Camellia sinensis plant. While kukicha is the stylistic category (and simply means 'stem tea' 茎茶), karigane, or also known as shiraore if you're in southern Japan, is the noble term designated for high-grade gyokuro or tencha stems that have been shaded and enriched with exceptional umami sweetness. 

Tasting Notes:

Aroma: elegant and sweet. English pea.

Flavor: a buttery, umami mouthfeel with lemongrass & ginger on the finish. Hint of fresh celery as it lingers on the tongue. Rustic yet elegant. 

Tea Details: 

Location: Suzuka, Mie. 

Harvest Season: Spring

Cultivar: Yabukita and Zairai blend 

Process: tea leaves grown in rich, clay soil are shaded about 18 days prior to harvest (just like tencha!). Shade-growing concentrates the sweet amino-acid L-theanine in the leaf, providing a deep and rich flavor and virtually no astringency. 

Brew Guide:

Amount: 6g (2tsp)

Water: 180ml (6oz) of 175ºF water.  

Time: 1 minute. You may also try hotter temperatures for shorter periods of time, or cooler water for longer periods of time. You'll experience a range of flavors. Using the guide above will give you a sweeter cup, while the hot water/short time brew method will extract more vegetal notes. Experiment!

Food Pairing: this tea left our media manager craving a pear. 

Sold in either 50g or 100g bags. Store in a cool, dark location. Best consumed within 3 months.