Kukicha Tea, also known as twig tea or winter tea, is an incredibly healthy part of the tea plant,Camellia sinensis.This Japanese tea is made from the twigs, stems and coarse leaves of tea plant. Green, black, oolong are made from the leaves , and white tea comes from the buds.
I first heard mention of this tea in a wonderful book "The Great Life Cookbook" and was inspired to try it.
-It's primary health impact is in it's alkalizing abilities. When you balance acidity in your body and tissues you are helping to prevent all sorts of disease, from heart disease, osteoporosis, and type 2 diabetes, to cancers.
-This tea has the strongest alkalizing ability of all Japanese tea.
-A cup of Kukicha tea, is also a good source of calcium, zinc, selenium, copper, and manganese. There are also B, C and A vitamins, and the same poly phenols that make green tea known as a cancer fighting beverage.
-One of the best benefits of this tea is it's ability to maintain the proper function of the liver and kidneys, two of the most important detoxifying organs in our body.
-It also plays an important role in the production of bile to enhance the digestive process.
Kukicha tea should be brewed like other teas with hot, just off the boil water and steeped for up to 3 minutes. I personally make this tea a little weak with one teaspoon or tea bag to 3-4 cups of water in a tea pot. I store this in a thermos to enjoy throughout the day. Kukicha tea has a very small amount of caffeine 90% less than brewed coffee and also much less than even green tea.
I would describe the flavor as closest to a light black tea. Others have described the flavor as slightly nutty and creamy.
My favorite is Eden brand Kukicha tea. It is organic and has a great flavor. Choice tea sells Kukicha tea as well.
Give this healthful and delicious tea a try!
