sencha karigane (high grade stem tea)

sencha karigane is a unique stem tea crafted from the very highest quality first harvest (“ichibancha”) sencha. other more common stem teas, like kukicha, are similar but made with lower quality tea from later harvests. during the finishing process of sencha, the tea leaves, stems, and powder are carefully separated. the stems, which make up only about 5 to 10% of the total harvest, are called karigane when exclusively derived from high-grade sencha; stems from lower grades do not qualify as karigane.

because they receive less direct sunlight than the leaves, stems are rich in l-theanine, an amino acid that contributes a sweet and flavorful taste while promoting relaxation of the brain and body due to its molecular similarity to glutamic acid. although karigane is less expensive than the leaves, it offers a superior flavor compared to similarly priced leaf teas, making it a favorite of many seasoned tea drinkers. due to its limited production from only the finest tea leaves, karigane can be hard to find but remains prized for its excellent taste and value.