I am a bit biased, as I grew up on this tea as a staple in my mom’s fridge.
She would steep it by boiling the twigs for a long period of time to extract all the flavor and nutrients from the tea.
Never did like it as much steeped hot, but after chilling it the tea is very mild and woody. There is a slight, stimulating astringency that lets you know it is indeed, tea.
It’s a great option to get some nutrients with a lighter, more watery consistency than a traditional black tea. Plus, very low caffeine! So, it can be enjoyed with meals at all times of day without worrying about stimulation. I was even allowed to drink kukicha as a child.
It’s quite unique, if you have never dabbled with twig tea before. This doesn’t really have any nutty notes. The Frontier offering is straight wood, almost like biting a woodwind instrument reed.
Not much more than that, but it sure is refreshing in the heat of summer while chilled.
As other reviewers have stated it may not be the best available kukicha since it is about $25 us a POUND! I’m interested in trying other kukicha teas due to this staple gateway blend.
Flavors: Bamboo, Mineral, Wood