Compare Unshaded and Shaded Kukicha

This weekend we are introducing another limited release comparison set, this time including two different kukicha. One bag holds an ounce of our Green Kukicha, while the other holds our Karigane. What is the main difference between these two?

The main difference is that the Karigane is shaded while the Green Kukicha is not. Kukicha (and/or the stems of the tea plant) more-or-less go through some shading as the leaves take in most of the sunlight as they mature. Still, karigane is the name given to the stems of gyokuro tea, and gyokuro goes through an extended shading period like matcha. Shading (or a lack thereof) affects the aroma, color, and flavor of a tea.

In our tasting, we notice that the Karigane is a little more delicate in its flavor and has a marine-like savoriness to it. This is different than the Green Kukicha which was a little more robust. The color of the brew is different as well. The Karigane brews up more of a forest green where as the Green Kukicha brews up a lighter, whitish-green. We hope you'll be able parse out these differences and enjoy the teas!