Soothing, satisfying tea of gas fired cauldron roasted tea twigs and mature leaves. Aged 2 to 3 years after roasting. Lowest caffeine of EDEN imported teas, 90% less than brewed coffee. Ideal at meal's end. 50% kukicha tea and 50% apple juice is an excellent beverage. Antioxidant health benefits. Quick and easy, environmentally appropriate tea bags.
EDEN Organic Kukicha Tea is crafted from four different clippings of the tea bush (Camellia sinensi). The first clipping is from three year old, semi-wild plants, from which twigs from the under part of the bush are trimmed in autumn. The second clipping consists of thick twigs, which are harvested every 10 years, usually in mid-winter. During the autumn and winter the caffeine level is at its lowest. The third and forth clipping, done every year in March and June, consists of small, thin twigs, stems and mature brown dried leaves. These are the pruning that stimulate the growth of fresh green shoots. After harvesting the twigs are steamed to soften them, and then place outside to dry in the sun for about one week depending upon the weather. Next, the sun dried twigs are placed in brown paper sacks and stored for 2 to 3 years in order to fully develop the best flavor. This process is called aging. After aging, the twigs are cut, and graded according to size. The twigs are separately roasted, according to size, to ensure even roasting, in gas fired cast iron rotating ovens. This patient and ceremonious roasting slowly develops the distinctive smoky flavor and aroma that has made Kukicha Tea so popular among macrobiotic and natural food aficionados.
