Japan Kokeicha Green Tea (No.129)
A tangy Japanese green tea with a pine needle shape and citrus-yellow cup, offering a distinctive flavour and savoury depth.
Japan Kokeicha Green Tea – Loose Leaf Green Tea
Unique in both shape and taste, our Japan Kokeicha Green Tea is a traditional Japanese green tea crafted using a rare and distinctive method that forms its iconic pine-needle appearance.
After steaming and crushing the sencha leaf into a fine pulp, it is mixed with water and pressed into uniform strips before drying—resulting in the striking anthracite-coloured needles that define kokeicha tea.
The infusion is tangy, full-flavoured, and slightly opaque with a citrus-yellow hue—an intriguing and satisfying green tea for those seeking something different.
Taste Profile
Kokeicha green tea delivers an intense, slightly tangy character with vegetal depth and a lively mouthfeel.
The cup has a citrus-golden tone and a softly cloudy texture, while the flavour is savoury, vibrant, and lingering.
If you enjoy Japanese green teas like Kokeicha, you may also like:
Origin
Kokeicha is a traditional Japanese green tea made by pulping and re-forming sencha leaves into uniform needles.
This unusual method, rooted in post-war innovation, preserves the leaf’s essence while offering a unique shape and brew.
Crafted in Japan with care, this tea reflects a distinctive expression of Japanese tea artistry and continues to intrigue tea lovers around the world.
Brewing Guide
Here’s how to brew the perfect cup of Japan Kokeicha Green Tea:
- Tea Quantity: 1 heaped tsp (approx. 2g) per 200ml water
- Water Temperature: 75–80°C
- Steeping Time: 1.5–2.5 minutes
- Serving Suggestions: Best enjoyed without milk
The tightly formed leaf releases flavour quickly, so a shorter infusion is often best. Enjoy the citrus coloured cup and savoury depth.
How To Make Iced Kokeicha Tea
This uniquely shaped Japanese green tea makes a bold and refreshing iced tea:
- Use double quantity: 2 heaped tsp per 200ml water
- Steep: Brew with 75–80°C water for 2–3 minutes
- Chill: Cool completely and refrigerate for 4–5 hours
- Serve: Pour over ice and enjoy its zesty, savoury complexity
Benefits
Kokeicha tea delivers the same antioxidant benefits as other Japanese green teas, including polyphenols and catechins that support immune function and metabolism.
With moderate caffeine and a brisk, satisfying flavour, it’s ideal for those seeking a clean energy boost and a fresh take on traditional green tea.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does this green tea taste like?
It has an intense, tangy profile with vegetal undertones, citrusy brightness, and a savoury finish—distinctly different from loose-leaf sencha.
2. Can I drink this tea cold?
Yes, kokeicha makes a bold and flavourful iced tea that’s both refreshing and complex.
3. Does this tea contain caffeine?
Yes, as a Japanese green tea, it contains a moderate level of caffeine—ideal for a clean, focused lift.
4. Should I add milk to this tea?
No—this tea is best enjoyed without milk to preserve its tangy, vegetal profile and aromatic citrus notes.
5. What is Kokeicha?
Kokeicha is a Japanese green tea made by forming sencha pulp into uniform pine needle shapes. It’s known for its unique appearance, intense flavour, and slightly opaque, lemon-hued infusion.
6. Is your Kokeicha from Japan?
Yes, our Kokeicha tea is produced in Japan using authentic techniques and high-quality green tea leaves.