Karigane - Poetic depth and everyday luxury in tea enjoyment
Karigane
Discover the World of Japanese Tea
About Karigane
Karigane, a term that reflects the deeper sound of the soul of a Japanese tea, evokes the gentle liaison of stem and leaf. This is a tea made from the leaves and stems left over from the production of high-quality Gyokuro or Sencha. This is an artistic act by the Japanese tea masters, who are able to create something special even from the supposedly insignificant.
The name Karigane itself has a poetic nuance, as "Karigane" literally means "wild goose", a symbol of the graceful and fleeting. This name is said to derive from the delicate reverberation that the wooden stems produce when they are prepared - a silent chirping of tea that echoes with the melody of nature.
The uniqueness of Karigane lies not only in its origin, but also in its special flavor composition. While Gyokuro and Sencha in their pure form boast sophistication and full-bodied aromas, Karigane reveals a more subtle fullness, characterized by a delicate sweetness and a light freshness brought about by the higher content of amino acids in the stems. This composition gives it its mild character, which is both invigorating and harmonious.
In traditional Japanese tea culture, karigane is valued as a kind of "everyday luxury". For connoisseurs, it may be an insider tip that draws attention to the supposedly trivial and honors the art of appreciation even in small things. The bright, golden liquid that is created here pays homage to the philosophy of wabi-sabi - the beauty of the imperfect and ephemeral.
Karigane impresses with its versatility. It can be brewed repeatedly, with each brewing revealing a new facet of its gentle yet complex nature. Its preparation is a ritual in itself, requiring deliberate contemplation and leisure. Traditionally, a water temperature of around 70 to 80 degrees Celsius is recommended for Karigane in order to develop its delicate aromas without overpowering them with excessive heat.
In an age of fast-paced lifestyles, Karigane's calm power invites you to pause and take a break. Its enjoyment is a silent tribute to nature and an invitation to immerse yourself in the meditative tranquillity of Japanese tea culture, where every sip is a silent poem and every steam a gentle conversation with the wind.