How to Brew Wakocha — A Simple Guide
Wakocha is more forgiving than green tea, but a few simple principles will help you unlock everything this remarkable tea has to offer.
The Golden Rule
Wakocha is naturally sweet and low in bitterness. You do not need milk or sugar. In fact, adding them will mask the flavors that make Wakocha extraordinary. Drink it plain, like you would a fine wine.
Equipment
- For loose leaf: A ceramic or glass teapot with an infuser, or a gaiwan (Chinese-style brewing bowl)
- For tea bags: Any mug or cup
- Water: Filtered or soft water is ideal. Avoid highly chlorinated tap water.
- Thermometer: Helpful but not essential — see our temperature guide below
Water Temperature Guide
| Tea | Temperature | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Benifuki cultivar (most teas) | 90–100°C / 194–212°F | Full temperature unlocks the floral notes |
| Yabukita cultivar (Ureshino) | 90°C / 194°F | Slightly lower to preserve umami |
| Yame Reserve (premium) | 90°C / 194°F | Do not overheat — preserves delicate notes |
Brewing Instructions — Loose Leaf
- Measure 3g of tea per 200ml of water (approximately 1.5 teaspoons)
- Heat water to the appropriate temperature for your tea (see table above)
- Warm your teapot with a small amount of hot water, then discard
- Add tea leaves to the infuser or directly to the pot
- Pour water and steep for 2–3 minutes
- Pour immediately and completely — leaving tea in water causes bitterness
- Enjoy plain. Notice the natural sweetness.
Brewing Instructions — Tea Bags (Benifuki Classic)
- Place one tea bag in your cup
- Pour 200ml of hot water (90–100°C)
- Steep for 2–3 minutes
- Remove the bag — do not squeeze
- Drink plain
Re-infusions
Unlike most commercial black teas, quality Wakocha can be re-infused 2–3 times. Each infusion reveals different layers of flavor:
- First infusion: Brightest, most floral
- Second infusion: Mellower, sweeter
- Third infusion (premium teas): Subtle, meditative
Cold Brew (Optional)
Wakocha makes an exceptional cold brew. Use 6g of tea per 500ml of cold filtered water, and steep in the refrigerator for 8–12 hours. The result is an extraordinarily clear, naturally sweet iced tea.
Storage
- Store in an airtight container, away from light, heat, and strong odors
- Loose leaf: consume within 12 months of opening
- Tea bags: consume within 18 months of opening
- No refrigeration required
Have questions about brewing? Contact us — we love talking tea.