Green Tea Pesto

Aracha Shincha brings the uniquely green, fresh Ooika flavour of the Aracha raw tea to Europe. With its wild, intensely green and grassy scent of freshly harvested tea fields, it conjures up the tea spring directly in our cups and is the closest to the original flavour of the tea plant.Special Features Shincha (the ‘new tea’) is made from the first tender leaves of spring - a vintage tea from the first early plucking in April, which surprises with its fresh flavour every year. Aracha is a partially processed green tea, which is reflected in its original, natural flavour. When tasting the raw teas directly after harvesting, they are brewed in particularly high doses and hot in order to savour the special characteristics of the tea. The higher infusion temperature (around 70°C) also brings out the flavour of this tea particularly well - let yourself be whisked away to the tea gardens of Kagoshima with the intense grassy aroma of freshly steamed tea leaves! Cultivars:Yutaka Midori from the Komaki brothers in Minami-SatsumaAsanoka from Kawaji-san in HiokiYabukita from Kawaji-san in HiokiThis year's Aracha is again composed of three cultivars, which are perfectly matched with their different flavours and aromas - grassy with a lively spiciness. Like many KEIKO teas, this tea is an intensively steamed tea (Fukamushi-cha, 100 - 120 seconds steaming time). The gentle steaming opens the leaf pores and the extracts are released from the tea leaf into the water more easily and quickly. This can be recognised by the deep green tea colour in the cup and the yield of the tea. Early harvests such as Aracha Shincha also have a particularly high theanine content, which is noticeable in the sweet flavour. Aracha is not yet ‘sorted’ as a raw tea - it therefore still contains some larger leaves as well as very fine bits of the leaves. PreparationTo emphasise the fresh fragrance, the infusion temperature can be set a little higher at 65-75°C.. Intensely steamed early harvests are particularly suitable for cold infusions (mizudashi). Even with cold water, Shincha Classic develops a particularly silky texture and a refreshing clarity after just a few minutes of infusion. The sweet theanine notes also come into their own particularly well, as the bitter substances do not dissolve as much in cold water. Storage Please note that Shincha Aracha is a raw tea and less dried than all other KEIKO teas. Aracha should therefore be enjoyed fresh and not stored for too long - we have set the best before date for this tea at 6 months from production here in Diepholz; we store it frozen! We therefore recommend closing the bag tightly and storing it in a cool, dark place in the fridge or freezer to preserve the tea's valuable flavours and ingredients as much as possible.

Half shaded teas from the first picking like the Kabuse No. 1 have an aromatic touch of sweetness due to an increased theanine content, paired with a fine bitterness and fresh green. For this shaded Sencha from the first main picking, the first leaves sprouting from the tea bush are harvested. Kabusecha Kabusecha is a green tea for which the tea plants are shaded, thus forming a high content of chlorophyll and other active ingredients and at the same time little bitter substances. Their characteristic "shade aroma" is called "ooika".   Fukamushicha   Like many KEIKO teas, this is an intensively steamed tea (Fukamushi-cha, 100 - 120 seconds steaming time). Due to the gentle steaming process, the leaf pores open and the extracts from the tea leaf reach the water more easily and quickly. This can be recognized by the deep green tea colour in the cup and the yield of the tea - with top qualities up to 4 infusions are possible! Cold Brew       Intensively steamed early pickings are also particularly suitable for cold infusions (Mizudashi or Cold Brew). By infusing the leaves with cold water you will get an intensive and refreshing tea after only a few minutes. Since the bitter substances do not dissolve as strongly in cold water, the sweet aromas of the Kabusecha are especially noticeable. Storage In order to preserve the precious flavours and ingredients of the tea as best as possible, we recommend to seal the bag well and store it cool and dark - ideally in your refrigerator or freezer. 

Tenko, "gift from heaven", a half shaded green tea from the early first picking at the end of April has, like Tenbu Fuka and Soshun, this special "recurring taste" that stays on the tongue for a long time. Tenko is jade green in the cup. A rich, fruity-fresh fragrance and a characterful, mild and nut-like taste are characteristic of this tea. Kabusecha is a green tea for which the tea plants are shaded, thus forming a high content of chlorophyll and other active ingredients and at the same time little bitter substances. Their characteristic "shade aroma" is called "ooika".   Fukamushicha   Like many KEIKO teas, this is an intensively steamed tea (Fukamushi-cha, 100 - 120 seconds steaming time). Due to the gentle steaming process, the leaf pores open and the extracts from the tea leaf reach the water more easily and quickly. This can be recognized by the deep green tea colour in the cup and the yield of the tea - with top qualities up to 4 infusions are possible! Cold Brew       Intensively steamed early pickings are also particularly suitable for cold infusions (Mizudashi or Cold Brew). By infusing the leaves with cold water you will get an intensive and refreshing tea after only a few minutes. Since the bitter substances do not dissolve as strongly in cold water, the sweet aromas of the Kabusecha are especially noticeable. Storage In order to preserve the precious flavours and ingredients of the tea as best as possible, we recommend to seal the bag well and store it cool and dark - ideally in your refrigerator or freezer. 

A harmonious, multi-layered delight with a velvety-smooth, fruity sweetness. The dreamlike aroma of the Yume Kaori cultivar really comes into its own in this Shincha! Special features Shincha - the ‘new tea’ heralds the start of the tea year every spring. The first tea from the fine, particularly aromatic leaf tips, which are harvested in the subtropical climate of Kagoshima as early as mid-April. In order to capture the fresh flavour in the best possible way, shincha is dried a little lighter than usual for sencha in the final processing stage, giving the teas a special freshness that seems particularly pronounced in Shincha Yume. Cultivars: 100% Yume Kaori from the KEIKO organic farm in Kawanabe (Chiran)Kabusecha is a green tea produced by shading the tea plants for a period of 7-10 days before harvesting, which results in a high content of chlorophyll and other active ingredients and a low level of bitterness. Their characteristic ‘shade flavour’ is called ‘ooika’. Early harvests such as Shincha Yume also have a particularly high theanine content, which is noticeable in the sweet flavour. Preparation We recommend an infusion temperature of around 60°C for a particularly round, flowery flavour. Leave the first infusion to infuse for about 1 minute. A few seconds are then enough to extract the flavour from the leaves. For the last infusion, you can increase the infusion time again to tease out all the flavour. If the tea still turns out stronger than desired, the flavour intensity can be slightly adjusted by adding a little more water. Deep steamed early harvests are particularly suitable for cold infusions (mizudashi). Even with cold water, Shincha Yume develops a particularly silky texture and a refreshing clarity of flavour after just 5 minutes of infusion. The sweet theanine notes also come into their own particularly well, as the bitter substances do not dissolve as much in cold water. Storage To preserve the tea's valuable flavours and ingredients as much as possible, please close the bag tightly and store it in a cool, dark place in the fridge or freezer.

The Yutaka Midori cultivar gives Shincha Classic its distinctive fresh, green aroma and rich colour. The combination with a share of the exquisite Sae Midori cultivar results in a full-bodied, mellow flavour with subtle umami, a hint of fruitiness and a gentle astringency. Special features Shincha - the ‘new tea’ heralds the start of the tea year every spring. The first tea from the fine, particularly aromatic leaf tips, which are harvested in the subtropical climate of Kagoshima as early as mid-April. In order to capture the fresh flavour in the best possible way, shincha is dried a little more lightly in the final processing stage than is usual for sencha. Cultivars:80% Yutaka Midori from the KEIKO Organic Farm in Kawanabe (Chiran) and from the Komaki brothers (Minami-Satsuma) 20% Sae Midori from the Komaki brothers (Minami Satsuma)Early harvests such as Shincha Classic also have a particularly high theanine content, which is noticeable in the sweet flavour. Preparation We recommend an infusion temperature of around 60-65°C. Allow the first infusion to infuse for about 1 minute. A few seconds are then enough to extract the flavour from the leaves. For the last infusion, you can increase the infusion time again to tease out all the flavour. If the tea still turns out stronger than desired, the flavour intensity can be slightly adjusted by adding a little more water. Deep steamed early harvests are particularly suitable for cold infusions (mizudashi). Even with cold water, Shincha Classic develops a particularly silky texture and a refreshing clarity of flavour after just 5 minutes of infusion. The sweet theanine notes also come into their own particularly well, as the bitter substances do not dissolve as much in cold water.Storage To preserve the tea's valuable flavours and ingredients as much as possible, please close the bag tightly and store it in a cool, dark place in the fridge or freezer.

Soshun, "early spring" is from early first picking in the middle to end of April. It has a wonderfully rich, complex and sweet fragrance and a velvety harmonious taste. The cup is a luminous green. This tea is an unforgettable pleasure not only for connoisseurs. Kabusecha Kabusecha is a green tea for which the tea plants are shaded, thus forming a high content of chlorophyll and other active ingredients and at the same time little bitter substances. Their characteristic "shade aroma" is called "ooika".   Fukamushicha   Like many KEIKO teas, this is an intensively steamed tea (Fukamushi-cha, 100 - 120 seconds steaming time). Due to the gentle steaming process, the leaf pores open and the extracts from the tea leaf reach the water more easily and quickly. This can be recognized by the deep green tea colour in the cup and the yield of the tea - with top qualities up to 4 infusions are possible! Cold Brew       Intensively steamed early pickings are also particularly suitable for cold infusions (Mizudashi or Cold Brew). By infusing the leaves with cold water you will get an intensive and refreshing tea after only a few minutes. Since the bitter substances do not dissolve as strongly in cold water, the sweet aromas of the Kabusecha are especially noticeable. Storage In order to preserve the precious flavours and ingredients of the tea as best as possible, we recommend to seal the bag well and store it cool and dark - ideally in your refrigerator or freezer. 

Chidori = Japanese for ‘plover’ Enjoy a gyokuro with dark, silky, needle-shaped leaves, offering fresh green Ooika aromas and a harmonious balance of delicate fruity spice and refined sweetness. The tea from the Yabukita cultivar is grown in the highlands of Kagoshima, and the tea bushes are harvested only once a year at the beginning of May. In two stages, the tea plants are shaded for a total of three weeks before harvesting and only lightly steamed (Asamushi). Gyokuro Organically grown gyokuro is a rarity, as the tea plants are particularly susceptible to pests due to the heavy shading. Extreme care and a great deal of experience are therefore essential for cultivation. However, the effort is rewarded with a very distinctive, complex aroma. Gyokuro is often described as the master class of Japanese green tea cultivation. Preparation The classic method: Gyokuro is traditionally prepared very intensively with 6-7g of tea leaves per 100ml, water heated to 40-55°C and a steeping time of approx. 2 minutes. This produces a tea with an incredibly dense, full-bodied aroma and a very pronounced sweetness. Our recommendation: For a full but slightly lighter aroma, use 3-4g of tea leaves (a heaped teaspoon) per 100ml, water at 55-60°C and a steeping time of approx. 1.5 minutes. The second infusion then only steeps for approx. 30 to 45 seconds at 60°C. For the third infusion, the steeping time can be extended to one minute. Tip: Try a cold brew!The sweet aromas are particularly pronounced in cold infusions. To make a cold brew, add 3-4g of tea leaves to 100ml of cold water and steep for at least 5 minutes. In warm weather, you can also replace some of the cold water with ice cubes and serve in a wine or champagne glass. Storage To best preserve the valuable aromas and ingredients of the tea, please seal the bag tightly and store in a cool, dark place.

Tonbo = Japanese for "dragonfly"Thanks to slightly more intensive steaming and drying, this gyokuro is particularly rich in extracts. This is reflected in a beautiful green colour in the cup and a spicy, warm aroma, making the tea a wonderfully full-bodied treat. The tea from the Sae Midori cultivar is grown in the highlands of Kagoshima, and the tea bushes are harvested only once a year at the end of April. In two stages, the tea plants are shaded for a total of three weeks before harvesting and only lightly steamed (Asamushi). Gyokuro Organically grown gyokuro is a rarity, as the tea plants are particularly susceptible to pests due to the heavy shading. Extreme care and a great deal of experience are therefore essential for cultivation. However, the effort is rewarded with a very distinctive, complex aroma. Gyokuro is often described as the master class of Japanese green tea cultivation. Preparation The classic method: Gyokuro is traditionally prepared very intensively with 6-7g of tea leaves per 100ml, water heated to 40-55°C and a steeping time of approx. 2 minutes. This produces a tea with an incredibly dense, full-bodied aroma and a very pronounced sweetness. Our recommendation: For a full but slightly lighter aroma, use 3-4g of tea leaves (a heaped teaspoon) per 100ml, water at 55-60°C and a steeping time of approx. 1.5 minutes. The second infusion then only steeps for approx. 30 to 45 seconds at 60°C. For the third infusion, the steeping time can be extended to one minute. Tip: Try a cold brew!The sweet aromas are particularly pronounced in cold infusions. To make a cold brew, add 3-4g of tea leaves to 100ml of cold water and steep for at least 5 minutes. In warm weather, you can also replace some of the cold water with ice cubes and serve in a wine or champagne glass. Storage To best preserve the valuable aromas and ingredients of the tea, please seal the bag tightly and store in a cool, dark place.

A pinch of matcha gives this semi-shade green tea from the April picking a bright deep green colour, especially in the first infusion, which then clears up slightly. The pleasing, fresh green flavour makes the tea a wonderful everyday companion and is also a good starter tea for green tea novices.In Japanese, this combination of Sencha with Matcha powder is also known as Matchairi Sencha.Kabusecha is a green tea that is produced by shading the tea plants, which causes them to develop a high content of chlorophyll and other active ingredients such as theanine, which is noticeable in the sweet flavour. At the same time, the plants produce fewer bitter substances due to the shade.Like many KEIKO teas, this tea is an intensively steamed tea (Fukamushicha). The gentle steaming process opens up the leaf pores and increases the extract content of the tea. This can be recognised by the cloudy, deep green cup and the yield of the tea. <h3>Preparation</h3>Intensively steamed early pickings are also particularly suitable for cold infusions (mizudashi). Even with cold water, you can obtain an intense and refreshing iced tea after just a few minutes. As the bitter substances do not develop as strongly when cold, the sweet flavours of Kabusecha are particularly effective. We recommend a brewing time of at least 5 minutes for the cold infusion.For the hot infusion, we recommend a temperature of 60-65°C and 60 seconds infusion time for the first infusion. Leave the 2nd and 3rd infusion to infuse for only about 15 seconds and increase the infusion time again for the last infusion to extract all the flavours from the leaves.<h3>Storage</h3>To preserve the valuable flavours and ingredients of the tea as much as possible, please close the bag tightly and store in a cool, dark place in the fridge or freezer.