Cherry Blossom time is a festive season in Japan.  Families gather for picnics under the trees as they bloom.  A special treat is this tea made with sencha, kukicha and real Sakura leaf and flower.  It has a bit of sweetness from the preserved blossom.

Hurry, as there is a limited amount available, and will only be available for a month or so.   

 

Insider Tip: Play with the infusion time on this one! Start at a minute and infuse longer after that. If you just have time for one infusion, steep it for two minutes (but this tea deserves multiple infusions!)

 

Caffeine Level: Low.

 

Green teas are unoxidized and process by withering or wilting, followed by pan-firing or steaming, then a shaping process. During the shaping processes, further drying takes place, giving each green tea a distinct shape, character, and flavor. Often shaped by hand in places like China or Vietnam, the skill to craft these teas is passed down from generation to generation. In Japan, most of the tea processing is done mechanically, using machines and conveyor belts to steam, shape, and cool the teas.