Kumaen – Mountain-Grown Kukicha (Daily Sencha)

 Kumaen – Mountain-Grown Kukicha (Daily Sencha)

 A light yet flavorful Japanese green tea grown in the mountain gardens of Yame, Fukuoka. Crafted from May-harvested tea leaves by the Kumaen family, this kukicha – or stem tea – undergoes regular steaming, preserving the leaf structure and delivering a refreshing, everyday drink.

Kukicha stands out by blending not just leaves, but also the stems of the tea shoots. The result is a soft, mellow taste with lower caffeine content – ideal for afternoon or evening enjoyment. A great choice for those seeking a smooth, approachable Japanese green tea with subtle depth and sweetness.

Origin: Yame region, Fukuoka, Japan

Tea Type: Sencha kukicha (leaf + stem blend)

Tasting Notes: Umami, grain-like fragrance, light body

Perfect For: Daily enjoyment as a refreshing yet flavorful beverage

Harvest: May

Steaming: Regular (chumushi), leaves fairly intact

Tea Type: Kukicha (stem tea), blended cultivars

 Steeping notes

 1st steeping 

• Tea: 5 g

• Water: 200 ml at 70°C / 158°F

• Time: 1 minute

 2nd steeping

• Water: 200 ml at 90°C / 194°F

• Time: 20 seconds

 3rd steeping

• Water: 200 ml at 90°C / 194°F

• Time: 60 seconds

 4th? 5th?

• Depends on how light you like your tea — feel free to explore further infusions!