Tea Time in April 2023 Box

Embark on a delightful journey with the April 2023 Tea J Tea Box, featuring three remarkable teas and two perfectly paired pastries to elevate your tea experience. Our teas are thoughtfully grouped into three categories: Origins, Fruity or Floral, and Explorer. This month's box presents four types of pastries paired with teas from the Origins and Fruity and Floral categories. However, we have intentionally not paired any pastries with our Explorer tea, as it expands your palate and heightens your appreciation for this extraordinary tea's unique flavors.

Dive into the enchanting world of single-origin teas, like Kukicha from Japan, or discover the delightful Cherry Black Tea from our Fruity or Floral line. Finally, expand your horizons with our captivating Explorer tea, the Milk Oolong Tea from Taiwan. 

Follow our My Tea Time blog series for an immersive exploration of your monthly tea experiences. Without further ado, let's embark on our April tea odyssey!

Origins 

Unveil the Secrets Behind the Unique Origins Tea in Our Curated Selection

Our subscription box is designed to bring you on a delightful journey, introducing you to unique teas from around the world. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the Kukicha from our Origins line, diving into the essential details that make this tea so special. From its cultivar to the processing techniques used, you'll discover the intricate journey of Kukicha from the farm to your cup.

Get to Know Our Origins Tea - Kukicha

1. Tea Name: Kukicha
2. Category: Japanese Green Tea
3. Cultivar: Yabukita
4. Altitude: 350m (1150ft)
5. Processing: Traditional Japanese green tea processing
6. Picking Technique: Handpicked and sorted
7. Harvesting: Early spring, first flush (2021)
8. Drying: Careful withering and drying to prevent oxidation

Caffeine Content: On average, a cup of Kukicha contains about 15-30 milligrams of caffeine per 8-ounce serving, which is lower than the caffeine content in other types of green tea or coffee. This makes Kukicha a great option for those looking for a milder, gentler source of caffeine.

The Cultivar Behind the Kukicha: Yabukita is the most famous cultivar in Japan, making up 85% of the country's tea production. It is known for its frost-resistant and high-quality tea characteristics, which contribute to the unique flavor profile of Kukicha.

Harvesting and Processing Kukicha: Harvested during the first flush of early spring, Kukicha is handpicked and sorted with care. The stems and stalks are separated from the leaves, and the tea is processed using traditional Japanese green tea techniques. This meticulous process ensures that the Kukicha in our subscription box retains its delicate flavors and aromas.

Drying Techniques for Kukicha: To preserve the bright, fresh taste of Kukicha, the stems and stalks are carefully withered and dried. This prevents oxidation and maintains the unique characteristics that make Kukicha stand out in our Origins line.

The Kukicha in our subscription box offers a truly unique and captivating experience. From the Yabukita cultivar to the careful harvesting and processing techniques, every aspect of this tea's journey contributes to its exceptional flavor and aroma. Subscribe to our tea box today and embark on a delightful adventure with Kukicha and other remarkable teas from around the world.

Savor the Exquisite Aroma and Taste of Kukicha

Unravel the Sensory Delights of Kukicha in Your Cup: Kukicha is a unique Japanese green tea that offers a sensory experience like no other. In this section post, we'll explore Kukicha's appearance, smell, and taste, highlighting the features that make it stand out among other teas. Indulge in the captivating world of Kukicha and enjoy every sip to the fullest.

The Appearance of Kukicha: Kukicha is characterized by its pale green color and a mixture of stems, stalks, and a few leaves. When brewed, the tea has a light, clear, and golden-green hue, reminiscent of a serene, sunlit morning in the Japanese countryside.

The Aroma of Kukicha: The alluring aroma of Kukicha is a delightful sensory experience. The fragrance is bright and mildly sweet, with creamy undertones that evoke a sense of warmth and comfort. Tea enthusiasts often note the tea's earthy, roasted aroma, which sets it apart from other green teas.

The Taste of Kukicha: Kukicha offers a complex flavor profile that is both satisfying and refreshing. The taste is sweet, grassy, and features fresh citrus notes, which are perfectly balanced by hints of seaweed and a subtle bitterness. The rich, bright flavors leave a super-refreshing aftertaste, making Kukicha a favorite among traditional tea lovers.

Kukicha is a sensory delight that offers a captivating aroma and taste experience. Its unique appearance, enticing smell, and exquisite taste make it a standout choice in our tea subscription box. Treat yourself to the enchanting world of Kukicha and discover the joys of this exceptional Japanese green tea. 

Discover the Heart and Soul Behind Our Kukicha: The Farm and Farmers!

Immerse yourself in the beautiful story of the Kukicha tea in our subscription box, as we take you on a journey to explore the farm and the passionate farmers who make it all possible. Get ready to discover the dedicated artisans who transform tea plants into the delightful Kukicha you enjoy in every cup.

Background on the Farmers: The Kinezuka Family has mastered the art of tea production for over 36 years. Nestled in the picturesque Nakayama Village in Shizuoka, Japan, their all-natural farm is a testament to traditional farming expertise. The Kinezuka family, led by Toshiaki Kinezuka, has been known for their sustainable tea production since 1976. Their commitment to natural, chemical-free farming ensures that every sip of your Kukicha tea is packed with nutrients and exquisite flavors, fresh from the rich soils of Japan's finest lands.

Ownership and Community: The Kinezuka Family believes in the power of community and sustainable practices. Their farm is a living, breathing entity representing harmony between humans and nature. They work hand in hand with the local community, employing traditional farming methods that contribute to the well-being of the environment and the people living in it. This strong sense of community ownership and stewardship makes their Kukicha special.

The Tea Maker: Toshiaki Kinezuka, the patriarch of the Kinezuka Family, is a true tea artisan. His wealth of knowledge, acquired through generations of family tradition, enables him to create some of the finest teas in Japan. Toshiaki and his family meticulously care for the tea plants, ensuring that they are grown, harvested, and processed to maximize their flavor and nutritional potential. As a result, the Kukicha from the Kinezuka family farm boasts a distinctive taste and aroma that sets it apart from other teas on the market.

As you enjoy your next cup of Kukicha, take a moment to appreciate the hard work, dedication, and love that goes into creating this extraordinary tea. The Kinezuka Family, their serene farm, and the surrounding community all play a vital role in bringing this unique tea experience to your table. So, raise your cup and toast to the artisans, the land, and the passion that makes our Kukicha tea exceptional.

Pastry Pairings 
Elevate Your Tea Time with These Delightful and Flavorful Companions

Why not enhance your Kukicha tea experience with the perfect pastry pairings? We've curated a selection of tasty treats that complement the unique flavor profile of our Kukicha tea, providing you with a truly indulgent and satisfying tea time. Let's explore these delicious pairings that will make your Kukicha moments even more special.

Cheese Crackers - Savory Snack: For a savory snack that pairs wonderfully with the sweet, grassy, and fresh citrus notes of Kukicha, look no further than cheese crackers. These vegetarian-friendly, light and crispy crackers are made from all-natural ingredients and are free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. The rich cheesiness of the crackers balances the tea's flavors, creating a harmonious and satisfying taste sensation.

Sesame Crackers - Energy Booster: If you need an energy boost, pair your Kukicha tea with sesame crackers. Rich in zinc, sesame seeds are known for their energizing properties. Combining crispy, creamy sesame crackers and Kukicha's sweet and refreshing taste makes for a refreshing treat that will revitalize you.

Palate Cleanser (for taste testing): When exploring different teas and pastries, it's essential to have a palate cleanser on hand. Saltine crackers are an ideal choice for this purpose. Their light, neutral flavor makes them perfect for cleansing your palate between tastings, ensuring that you fully appreciate the nuances of each tea and treat. Saltine crackers also make a versatile accompaniment for your Kukicha tea, as they help to neutralize any sweet, bitter, or cooling flavors that might linger from other pastries.

Your Kukicha tea experience can be elevated to new heights with the addition of these delectable pastry pairings. Whether you prefer a savory snack, an energizing treat, or a versatile palate cleanser, these pastries will complement and enhance the unique flavors of your Kukicha tea. So, go ahead and indulge – your taste buds will thank you!

Fruity or Floral 

Embrace the delightful flavors of our Fruity and Floral tea line, a collection that showcases the delightful infusion of fruit and flower essences with high-quality tea leaves. Our next tea highlight is the Cherry Black Tea, a perfect pick-me-up for those moments when you need a boost of caffeine and a touch of sweetness. Made with black tea, cherry pieces, and safflowers, this delightful blend can be enjoyed hot or iced, making it a versatile and refreshing choice for any tea lover.

Get to know Fruity or Florals

Tea Name: Cherry Black Tea

Processing: This tea is processed by blending premium black tea leaves with dried cherry pieces and vibrant safflower petals. Combining these ingredients results in a well-balanced tea that captures the essence of cherries while preserving the robust character of the black tea base.

Year: 2021

Caffeine Content: While the amount of caffeine in cherry black tea can vary depending on the brand and brewing method, most types of black tea contain about 40-60 milligrams of caffeine per 8-ounce cup. This is roughly half the amount of caffeine found in a typical cup of coffee, which contains about 95 milligrams per 8-ounce serving. While caffeine can provide a boost of energy and improve mental alertness, it is important to consume it in moderation, as too much caffeine can lead to negative side effects such as jitters, anxiety, and sleep disruption.

Tea Aroma and Taste

Indulge in the delightful sensory experience of Cherry Black Tea as you explore its appearance, aroma, and taste. This charming tea blend will captivate your senses and brighten your tea time with its fruity and floral notes.

Appearance: Cherry Black Tea is a beautiful blend of dark, twisted black tea leaves interspersed with vibrant cherry pieces and delicate safflower petals. When brewed, the tea takes on a lovely amber hue. 

Smell: The aroma of Cherry Black Tea is simply enchanting. As you inhale, you'll be greeted by cherries' sweet and tangy fragrance, which intermingles with black tea's rich, malty scent. The delicate floral aroma of safflower bits adds a touch of complexity to the bouquet, making it a evermore enticing.

Tasting Notes: As you take your first sip of Cherry Black Tea, you'll be delighted by the harmonious interplay of flavors. The robust black tea base has a strong foundation, while the cherry notes introduce a natural sweetness and fruity tang that enlivens the palate. The safflowers contribute a subtle floral undertone, which complements the fruity profile and adds depth to the overall taste. This delightful blend of flavors makes Cherry Black Tea a perfect choice for those seeking a refreshing and invigorating tea experience.

Pastry Pairings 

Experience the harmonious fusion of flavors as you enjoy Cherry Black Tea alongside two delightful pineapple pastries. This tea and pastry pairing offers a delightful combination of fruity notes and satisfying textures, sure to delight your taste buds.

Pineapple Shortcakes from Taiwan: These authentic Pineapple Shortcakes from Taiwan is not just a delight for your taste buds, but also a journey through the vibrant streets of Taiwan, where culinary traditions have been thriving for centuries. The cakes themselves are a unique blend of Taiwanese culinary heritage, with a buttery exterior and a sweet and tangy pineapple filling that complement each other perfectly, creating an explosion of flavors that will leave you wanting more.

For the ultimate culinary experience, pair these delectable shortcakes with the Cherry Black Tea, and witness the remarkable combination of flavors that highlight the best of both Eastern and Western influences in the culinary world.

Pineapple-Filled Cookies from the Mexico: Indulge in the irresistible taste of Pineapple-Filled Cookies, a soft and satisfying treat from Mexico. The cookies feature a scrumptious, artificially flavored pineapple filling that adds a burst of fruity sweetness to every bite.

When enjoyed alongside Cherry Black Tea, the pineapple-filled cookies bring out the fruity undertones of the tea, creating a delightful flavor symphony. This comforting pairing is perfect for enjoying as an afternoon pick-me-up or a delightful dessert to round off a meal.

(Read more about Tea J Tea’s recommended way of tasting: Sip-Bite-Sip)

Explorer 

What is an Explorer tea?

Unravel the mysteries and uncover hidden gems in the fascinating world of tea with our Explorer line. This collection is dedicated to introducing you to rare, exceptional, and intriguing teas that will expand your palate and elevate your tea experience. Our featured Explorer tea for the April 2023 Tea J Tea box is the captivating Milk Oolong Tea, a delightful blend that combines the best of Taiwanese tea craftsmanship with a creamy, sweet profile.

Tea Name: Milk Oolong Tea

Caffeine Content: The caffeine content in milk oolong tea can vary depending on several factors, such as the quality of the tea leaves, brewing method, and steeping time. On average, a cup of milk oolong tea (8 oz) contains approximately 38-58 milligrams of caffeine, less than a typical cup of black tea but more than a cup of green tea.

Harvesting: The Milk Oolong Tea is sourced from the Lishan (Pear Mountain) in Nantou, Taiwan, where it is grown at an altitude of 1,000m (3,280ft). This high-altitude cultivation lends the tea its unique and exquisite qualities. The leaves for this particular tea were harvested in September 2021, ensuring a fresh and vibrant flavor profile.

Processing: Milk Oolong Tea is on the lightly oxidized oolong tea spectrum that is subtly flavored with natural milk essences to accentuate its innate sweet and creamy characteristics. The Jin Xuan cultivar, also known as "Golden Lily," was specifically developed in Taiwan during the 1980s to produce a soft and creamy tea. When grown at high altitudes, this cultivar exhibits its signature creamy qualities, making it the ideal choice for crafting the Milk Oolong Tea blend.

Tea Aroma and Taste

Immerse yourself in the rich and delightful sensory experience of Milk Oolong Tea, a truly captivating blend that will enchant your senses and transport you to the lush, high-altitude tea gardens of Taiwan. In this section, we'll explore the appearance, aroma, and taste of this exquisite tea, revealing the intricate sensory delights that await you in every cup.

Appearance: Milk Oolong Tea leaves boast a beautiful green hue with a delicate, tightly rolled appearance. As the leaves unfurl during the brewing process, you'll notice the full, tender leaves revealing themselves, a testament to the exceptional quality of this tea.

Smell: The aroma of Milk Oolong Tea is both enchanting and inviting, with a bouquet of sweet, creamy, and floral fragrances. The delicate scent of natural milk essences is seamlessly woven into the tea's aroma, enhancing the tea's inherent floral fragrance and creating a harmonious, soothing scent that lingers in the air.

Tasting Notes: The flavor profile of Milk Oolong Tea is a delightful symphony of sweet, creamy, and floral notes. The tea's smooth and full texture envelops your palate, while the subtle natural milk flavors accentuate the tea's inherent sweetness. The beautiful flowery fragrance, typical of Taiwanese oolongs, elevates the sensory experience, leaving a long-lasting aroma and a calm, soothing sensation in the throat.

 

Are you interested in previous Subscription Boxes from previous months? Check out Last Month’s box (March Tea Time in A Box).