Product Overview
Green tea in Japan has a storied and celebrated history. Begin your exploration of the many varieties Japan has to offer with this loose leaf tea sampler. This tea assortment includes 5 different traditional Japanese green teas.
Teas Included:
Tea of 88 Nights (1 loose tea + 1 tea bag): This Japanese Green Tea falls into the category of ichibancha, meaning "first-picked tea."
High-grade Sencha (1 loose tea + 1 tea bag): Sencha is whole leaf Japanese green tea. This particular tea is characterized by its silky smooth drinking experience.
Iced Ryokucha (powdered): Ryokucha is powdered Japanese green tea.
Black Sesame Hojicha (1 loose tea + 1 tea bag): Hojicha is a roasted Green Tea, beloved for its warm and toasty aroma. The inclusion of black sesame accentuates this unique blend.
Roasted Kukicha (1 loose tea): Kukicha is made with the stem of the tea plant instead of the leaf, and usually has a mildly nutty or creamy flavor. This Kukicha is processed like a hojicha to bring out those nutty notes further.
Brewing Guide:
1. Heat the water. Place the water in a tea kettle and heat it just to a rolling boil, or between 200° and 212°F.
2. Pre-warm the teapot or cup (optional). Pour a small amount of boiling water into the pot or cup. When the pot or cup is warm, pour out the water.
3. Use 1 bag of tea leaves.
4. Place the leaves in the teapot or cup. Place the tea leaves in the pot or cup, either directly or in an infuser.
5. Pour the water. Pour the water over the tea leaves.
6.Cover the teapot or cup. Place the lid on the teapot or, if using a cup, cover it with a lid or a small saucer.
7. Cover the teapot or cup with a tea cozy or a thick towel to retain heat.
8. Steep the tea. Set a timer for 3 to 5 minutes. You may wish to taste the tea at 3 minutes and then every 30 seconds until it is to your liking.
9. Stop the infusion. As soon as the tea is ready, remove the leaves by lifting out the infuser or pouring the tea through a strainer.
10. Add milk, lemon, or sweetener (optional). If using milk, heat it gradually by adding the milk to the cup first, then pouring in the tea. Avoid combining milk and lemon, or the milk may curdle.