Karigane tea is a tea made out of the stems and veins of the tea leaves and is a by-product of making Gyokuro and Sencha.  However, this “by-product” is nothing to mock.  The stems , and Theanin is the amino acid that adds the aroma, the sweet flavor, and the calming effect of tea.  In short, stems are a gold mine for all of the healthy goodness that is included in great Sencha.

High Quality Karigane Tea

Our superior grade Karigane is made from high quality Sencha stems, and contains a beautiful bitter and sweet balance (leaning heavy on the sweet side).

This is an everyday tea, and is a favorite amongst those who like the tanginess of Sencha, but love the sweetness of Gyokuro.  Highly recommended for those who value great value, taste-wise and price wise.

Amount: 100g (3.52oz)
Container: Matabay Bag

Karigane tea is a tea made out of the stems and veins of the tealeaves and is a by-product of making Gyokuro and/or Sencha.  However, this “by-product” is nothing to mock.  The stems contain a higher dosage of Theanin, and Theanin is the amino acid that adds the aroma, the sweet flavor, and the calming effect of tea.  The result is a splendid harmony of rich flavor and sweetness.

Karigane Tea Premium Grade

Our super premium grade Karigane is made exclusively from high quality Gyokuro.  The sweetness is outstanding, and although a slightly “lighter” tea then the actual Gyokuro, it packs a different brand of magic.

Super premium grade Karigane can be considered an every day tea, especially for those who are in love with Gyokuro.  This is due to the fact that it is a by-product; the price is considerably lower, even if the highest quality Gyokuro stems are used.  This is why Karigane is often the tea of choice for those who are addicted to Gyokuro, but are looking for an affordable alternative.

Amount: 100g (3.52oz)
Container: Matabay Bag

Karigane tea is a tea made out of the stems and veins of the tea leaves and is a by-product of making Gyokuro and Sencha.  However, this “by-product” is nothing to mock.  The stems contain a higher dosage of Theanin, and Theanin is the amino acid that adds the aroma, the sweet flavor, and the calming effect of tea.  Karigane, is also known by the name Kukicha, which is literally translated “stem tea”.  Although the word Kukicha is often associated with the lower grade Karigane, that is not why we named this tea Kukicha.  The reason is because this tea is a blend of various high-quality stems, with the addition of Matcha, and is not a “pure” Karigane.

Amazing Kukicha Blend in one cup

Our Kukicha with Matcha, is an amazing blend that brings the best of all the worlds into one cup.  It is deep, yet light, sweet, yet has a hint of tanginess, and is a delicate harmony of flavor, with a mellowness that will make you smile.

Highly recommended for those who enjoy Karigane, but want a little something different.  This is a great value product, not to say that it is a “cheap tea”, but meaning that the only way the price could remain so low is because it is made out of the stem, and not the leaves of some of the best teas out there.

Amount: 100g (3.52oz)
Container: Matabay Bag

Hojicha, is roasted Japanese tea.  Hojicha (also spelled Houjicha), is refreshing, toasty, nutty, earthy and somewhat caramelly and at times smoky, and is one of the most favored teas for after a meal.  The caffeine quantity is the lowest out of all Japanese teas, and is considered suitable for even small children, or for drinking a late night cup of tea.

Finest Hojicha from Sencha Leaves

Our premium Sencha Hojicha is made with only the finest of Sencha leaves and stems, with the addition of Matcha stems for great aroma.  Due to the fact that it is made from Sencha leaves, this Hojicha is high in Catechin, and is full of beneficial minerals and vitamins.

This is an every day tea, highly recommended for after meals, or as a “nightcap tea” before you go to bed.

Freshest possible Hojicha

At Matabay, in order to keep your Hojicha at the freshest possible state, we have packaged the leaves in small amounts.  This way, each bag of Hojicha you open, is a blast of freshness to the very last drop!

Amount: 80g (2.82oz)
Container: Matabay Bag

Konacha is a by-product that is born from the processing of Japanese tea.  Although not a fine powder like Matcha, Konacha is made of the tea dust and tea flakes that fall off the leaf while processing the teas.  Due to the fact that Konacha is composed of tea dust and small flakes, the tea is quickly absorbed into the hot water, and is what is used in most Sushi restaurants.

High Grade Sencha Tea leaves

Our Sencha Konacha uses first flush high grade Sencha leaves, and is quite a treat.  This tea is bold, sharp, deep, and full of all the goodness that is included in Sencha.  Very refreshing, and great as a wake-me-up tea, or as a tea for when you are eating Sushi, Sashimi, or greasy meals.

Cheap and Good Konacha

Due to the fact that this tea is a by-product, it is considerably cheaper than the full leaves, yet is often easier to find good konacha than it is to find good full leaf teas.

The only drawback is that the entire flavor is “used up” in the first infusion, and it leaves very little left for a second or third infusion.  On the other hand, all the goodness is packed into the first infusion, so is great for tea on the go!

Amount: 200g (7.04oz)
Container: Matabay Bag

Only the finest of the Sencha tea leaves are selected, which are then processed especially for Sencha tea bags so that each brew will be perfect.  No need for formal tea ware, and no mess involved.  Perfect for use in the office, for travel, or for when you just want a quick cup of some good green tea.

Quality Sencha Tea Bags

You may find that tea brewed using our teabags will be far superior to any other green tea you can get locally.  Yes, they are that good.

These tea bags are designed for making hot green tea and cold tea.  For cold tea, you just put the teabag in a tall glass, pour water, stir the teabag around for 20 to 30 seconds, add some ice cubes, and it is ready.

The Sencha tea bags feature high grade Uji Sencha that focus on the natural sweetness and aroma of the tea leaves, not the sharpness.  This is a mellow blend that even those new to green tea will be able to enjoy.

Amount: 5g x 15 tea bags

Container: Resealable Aluminum Pouch

Matabay’s tea bags combine the flavor and aroma of the finest Japanese teas along with the convenience of use of pyramid tea bags, but are not to be confused with any other “green tea tea bags” that you may find on the shelf of a supermarket.  Only the finest of the tea leaves are selected, which are then processed especially for tea bags so that each brew will be perfect.  No need for formal tea ware, and no mess involved.  Perfect for use in the office, for travel, or for when you just want a quick cup of some good green tea.

You may find that tea brewed using our teabags will be far superior to any other green tea you can get locally.  Yes, they are that good.

These tea bags are designed for making hot green tea AND cold tea.  For cold tea, you just put the teabag in a tall glass, pour water, stir the teabag around for 20 to 30 seconds, add some ice cubes, and it is ready.

The Gyokuro tea bags use high grade Uji Gyokuro that focus on the mellowness, sweetness, and aroma of the tea leaves.  Not as strong as some of the other Gyokuro teas, but is perfect for a casual cup of Gyokuro.  If you have never had Gyokuro before, or would rather avoid the high prices of the higher grade Gyokuro’s, this is a great place to start.  This is a high value item, and highly recommended.

Amount: 5g x 15 tea bags

Container: Resealable Aluminum Pouch