• Kukicha Twig Tea brewing instruction
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Sakamoto Kukicha Twig Tea

Sakamoto Kukicha Twig Tea

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Learn all the secrets of the Sakamoto Kukicha Twig Tea

The Sakamoto Kukicha Twig Tea is a unique taste on the classic gyokuro, made with stems and leaves to bring a sweet and floral flavor to the cup

Taste

Sakamoto Kukicha Twig Tea flavor chart

Discover the results of Nio Teas’ 4 step tea tasting method

When evaluating the flavor of the Sakamoto Kukicha Twig Tea, we take into consideration not only its aroma and tasting notes but also its interaction with the palate. We analyze various aspects of the tea such as dryness, acidity, minerality, sweetness, and umami. Additionally, we examine the texture of the tea to determine its consistency, whether it is thick or thin. Lastly, we evaluate the vegetal taste profile, which is present in all Kukicha teas, and compare this characteristic on a spectrum.

Step 1 - Observing the Appearance

The leaves of the Sakamoto Kukicha Twig Tea are dark green, which contrast sharply with the bright yellow stems. The leaves are curled into tight thin needle shapes and the stems are cut short. There are more stems than leaves.

Step 2 - Assessing the Aroma

The aroma coming off the wet leaves is quite floral, with notes of hay, strawberry and a hint of spring grass.

Step 3 - Tasting the Tea

The first flavor to hit the palate is the soothing sweetness, which soon takes on a vegetal characteristic. These more aromatic floral or hay notes come in later and soon dominate the finish. There is a tingling minerality that lingers on the palate.

Step 4 - Evaluating the sensation on the palate

The mouthfeel of the Sakamoto Kukicha Twig Tea is quite dense and sweet, but it soon dissipates to make space for the subtle dryness and minerality of the tea. The structure of the tea is very simple, sweet in the begin, more floral or fragrant in the finish.

100% Organically grown and Ethically Sourced

At Nio, we have chosen to partner exclusively with tea farmers who grow their tea plants without the use of pesticides or chemicals. In our experience, we have found that this practice not only enhances the flavor of the tea but also promotes the overall health of the tea fields.

We have noticed that by adopting this approach, tea farmers can not only produce exceptional green tea, but they also support the proliferation of diverse plant and animal life in the surrounding areas.

Nio Teas Unique Organically grown sourcing process

  • Conducting a personal taste test to evaluate the quality of each tea.
  • Having a conversation with the farmers to gain insights into the distinctive elements of tea cultivation and production.
  • Visiting the tea farms in person to ensure that the tea production process is thoughtful and meticulous.
  • Surveying the tea fields to ensure that the tea plants are cultivated sustainably, with a focus on preserving the surrounding ecosystem.
JAS Japanese Agriculture Standards logo

JAS Certified

Our packaging displays the JAS logo, an acronym for Japanese Agriculture Standards, which signifies that our teas are grown without the use of pesticides or chemicals and are certified by the Japanese government. We ensure that our teas are produced using organic methods by mandating that our larger partner farms obtain JAS certification through soil sampling and testing.

Smaller tea farms may face obstacles in acquiring JAS certification due to the associated expenses. As a result, we accept their products under the "pesticide-free" label, providing these smaller producers with an opportunity to sell their products while maintaining our rigorous quality standards across our entire product line.

How to prepare the tea

For the optimal flavor of Sakamoto Kukicha Twig Tea, it's advised to brew it at a lower temperature. This helps to bring out the sweet and savory notes that the tea is known for. Higher temperatures may lead to bitterness

  • icon of a teapot with temperature brewing instruction in degree for 60 degree celsius and 140 degree fahrenheit

    Step 1

    Before you preparing the tea, make sure you heat up the water to a temperature of 60 degrees Celsius or 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the ideal temperature for the Sakamoto Kukicha Twig Tea.

  • icon of 5 grams of tea leaves

    Step 2

    Add 5 grams of Sakamoto Kukicha Twig Tea to your kyusu teapot or shiboridashi.

  • icon of a teapot with time brewing instruction of 1 minute

    Step 3

    Pour in 150ml of water and allow the tea leaves to brew undisturbed for 1 minute.

  • black icon of a cup of tea

    Step 4

    After the tea leaves are done brewing, you can pour out your tea and if you have a kyusu teapot it will automatically filter out the leaves so they don’t overbrew inside the teapot and they don’t end up in your cup. Enjoy your tea!

  • icon of a teapot with time brewing instruction of 20 seconds

    2nd brew

    In the first brewing of the Sakamoto Kukicha Twig Tea, you'll immediately notice its prominent sweet and savory flavors. However, don't discard the tea leaves just yet! They still contain a lot of flavor. To extract more flavor from the leaves, pour hot water into the teapot and let the leaves steep for an additional 20 seconds with each subsequent brew.

  • icon of glace of matcha latte with ice cubes

    Cold brew

    Not only does the Sakamoto Kukicha Twig Tea work well with the traditional brewing method, but it also makes a delicious and refreshing cold brew when prepared with cold water! If you're interested in learning how to cold brew this tea, check out our blog section, where we have an article dedicated to cold brewing gyokuro.

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Necessary teaware

When it comes to preparing gyokuro teas such as the Sakamoto Kukicha Twig Tea, the most appropriate tool to use is the Kyusu teapot, although you may also enjoy using a shiboridashi. 

If you're looking to create a concentrated "shot" of umami flavor, we recommend using the shiboridashi. However, for everyday brewing, the Kyusu is the perfect choice.

Alternative without teaware

If you don't have a teapot, a tea strainer is the next best alternative for brewing Sakamoto Kukicha Twig Tea. However, keep in mind that since the tea leaves don't have enough space to expand as they would in a teapot, the resulting flavor may not be as strong. Nonetheless, using a tea strainer enables you to filter out the tea leaves and prevent them from getting into your cup.

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mr sakamoto farm in japan

Location of production and farmer

Information about the farm

Mr. Sakamoto, an experienced organic green tea farmer from Southern Japan, takes great pride in crafting the delicious Sakamoto Kukicha Twig Tea. With decades of experience in the industry, he has pioneered sustainable methods for producing incredibly flavorful gyokuro tea without relying on pesticides or chemicals.

Throughout our numerous interactions with him over the years, we have consistently been impressed by Mr. Sakamoto's unwavering dedication to his tea fields. He has invested additional time in developing his organic fertilizer, which incorporates natural elements such as organic compost and sedimentary rock mulch, rather than taking shortcuts.

Thanks to Mr. Sakamoto's fertilizer, the soil in his tea fields is enriched with nutrients, allowing the tea plants to produce robust and healthy leaves without harming the surrounding ecosystem. Given the challenges of producing delicate teas like gyokuro using traditional methods, Mr. Sakamoto's gyokuro tea is truly exceptional.

map with the location of kagoshima tea fields in Japan

Sourced in Kagoshima

Japan

The Sakamoto Kukicha Twig Tea is grown in the town of Shibushi, located in Kagoshima, Japan, and thrives in the southern region of Kyushu. The area is characterized by a warm subtropical climate, seasonal rainfall, and nutrient-rich volcanic soils, all of which contribute to the exceptional quality of the tea.

Cultivar and tea plant variety

The Yabukita cultivar, the most commonly used tea plant variety in Japan, is used to make the Sakamoto Kukicha Twig Tea. Its ease of cultivation has made it a popular choice for Japanese green teas such as this one.

  • Yabukita

    Yabukita is a widely used cultivar in Japan due to its resilience. It can withstand the relatively cooler climates of Shizuoka, which accounts for 40% of Japanese green tea production. This cultivar is renowned for its strong umami flavor and distinct vegetal notes.

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Free Worldwide Shipping & Delivery

We're happy to provide free shipping on all orders and work with the most cost-effective carrier available in your country. Estimated delivery time is typically 5-7 days for customers in the U.S. and E.U., and up to 10 days for customers in other regions. If you need expedited shipping, we offer options for an additional fee.

Order issues

If you encounter any issues with your order, our dedicated customer service team at info@nioteas.com is ready to assist you for a prompt response. You can also reach out to us on Instagram at @nio_japanese_green_tea for quick inquiries or questions.

Payments

We accept major credit cards, PayPal, and Apple Pay as payment methods. If you prefer to pay via bank transfer, simply select this option at checkout, and we will provide you with the necessary information. Your order will be dispatched once payment is received.

Returns & Refunds

Your satisfaction is our top priority at Nio. We strive to ensure that every customer has a positive tea experience. If you are not satisfied with the tea you receive, please let us know, and we will be happy to replace it or offer a refund.

Sakamoto Kukicha Twig Tea learning plateform

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