Kukicha

Kukicha, alternatively known as bocha (棒茶 - stick tea), is made from the stems, twigs, and stalks that are sorted out from sencha production. As both catechins and caffeine are concentrated in the leaves of the tea plant rather than the stems, kukicha has a soft, mellow, and sweet taste. The stems are also high in amino acids and the aromatic compound pyrazine, which gives kukicha its distinct aroma.