We purchase our premium organic teas in small batches and you can be assured of the freshness and quality.

This tea is a high quality blend of first-harvest gyokuro and high grade sencha stems, grown in Uji (near Kyoto). The tea is shade-grown which produces a tea that is very green (high in chlorophyll) and has a sweeter taste. The resulting tea is a very tasty Japanese green tea with a fresh green aroma, and a flavor that is uniquely sweet and delicate.

Karigane afficionados are usually repeat customers - once they try Karigane they want to drink it all the time because it has such a great flavor. It is sometimes difficult to find as it is highly sought after and the supply is limited.

Product Features

• Certified Organic Green tea leaf
• Gluten-Free
• GMO-Free
• Herb Identity Guaranteed
• 100% Vegetarian
• Pure: No fillers, or other chemicals have been added
• This tea is shade-grown, which produces a tea that is very green (high in chlorophyll) and has a sweeter taste.

Background and Use

Green tea has been consumed throughout the ages in Asia. Green Tea is produced by gently heating the freshly cut leaf, thus not allowing oxidation of the enzymes within the leaf to take place. The chemical composition of green tea varies with climate, season, horticultural practices, and the age of the leaf (position of leaf on the harvest shoot). The major polyphenols include catechins, epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and proenthocyanidins). EGCG accounts for 40% of the total polyphenol mixture, while catechins constitute about 30% of the dry weight of Green Tea as opposed to 9% of the dry weight of Black Tea. Both EGCG and catechins have been implicated as the most significant antioxidants.

Karigane stems are especially rich in theanine because the plants are grown in diffused sunlight. Theanine is an amino acid that imparts a sweet taste and is important for promoting relaxation and increasing concentration. It has been studied for its effects on the brain and for its antioxidant properties.

Botanical Name

Camellia sinensis

Geographical Origin

Suggested Use

This leaf is suitable for the following preparations:

• tea  (Directions:  Use 6 oz. of good-tasting water at 90 degrees (or just below boiling) with 1 1/2 teaspoon of loose leaf.  The shorter the brew time the sweeter the tea. You can brew as little as 20 seconds or up to 90 seconds  for a stronger flavor. To acquire a consistent flavor, pour the tea back and forth between as many cups as you are serving as the taste will become stronger even as you pour. We suggest re-infusion of the leaves 4-5 times. This packet makes approximately 160 cups.)
• infusion
• extract/tincture

Contraindications

Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Keep out of reach of children. Discontinue use if unusual symptoms occur. Do not exceed recommended dose unless under the guidance of a health care professional.

Green tea naturally contains caffeine. Too much caffeine may cause nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness, and, occasionally, rapid heart beat. Not recommended for use by children under 18 years of age.