ชาคูกิจา คุมาโนะ

The stems and leaf ribs give this a surprisingly full body—it’s creamy and almost savory, not at all like a thin green tea. I’ve been brewing it a bit longer than usual and it stays smooth, never bitter, which makes it perfect for slow afternoons.

I was skeptical about a tea made from stems and ribs, but this is surprisingly smooth and rich—no bitterness at all. The mildness makes it perfect for an afternoon cup when I want flavor without the jolt. Definitely a keeper in my rotation.

The roasted stem character is exactly what I hoped for — savory and nutty with none of the bitterness some greens have. It brews a clear golden cup that tastes surprisingly full for something so mild. My new afternoon staple.