Kukicha Tea

Instructions

1. Heat the water
   Bring filtered water to just below boiling point (about 180°F or 82°C). Kukicha is best prepared with water that is hot but not boiling to preserve its delicate flavor.
2. Prepare the teapot
   Warm your teapot by rinsing it with hot water. Add the kukicha tea twigs to the warmed teapot or directly into a tea infuser basket.
3. Steep the tea
   Pour the hot water over the twigs and let steep for 2-3 minutes. Kukicha can be steeped for longer if you prefer a stronger flavor, but be careful not to over-steep as it may become bitter.
4. Strain and serve
   Strain the tea into cups, removing the twigs. If desired, add a small amount of honey or any optional ingredients like lemon, cinnamon, ginger, or mint to enhance the flavor. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds if using.
5. Enjoy your second infusion
   Kukicha twigs can be reused for a second or even third infusion. Simply add more hot water to the used twigs and steep for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute longer than the previous infusion.