Kamairicha
釜炒り茶
Kamairicha is Japan's pan-fired green tea — a rarity in a country where nearly all green tea is steamed. The technique traces back to Chinese tea-making methods and has been preserved in northern Kyushu, particularly in Ureshino (Saga Prefecture) and Gokase (Miyazaki Prefecture). Instead of steaming, freshly picked leaves are tossed in a heated iron pan (kama), which imparts a distinctive roasted fragrance known as 'kama-ka.' The leaves curl into comma-shaped pellets rather than the needle shape of steamed teas. The brew is a clear golden-yellow with a clean, refreshing taste, low astringency, and an aromatic quality that feels closer to Chinese green teas. It offers a fascinating alternative perspective on what Japanese green tea can be.
Processing Steps
Standard Brewing
Temperature
80°C
Water
100ml
Leaf
3g
Teaware
Kyusu (side-handle teapot)
Steep Time
Use slightly hotter water than you would for sencha to highlight the pan-fired aroma. The curled leaves take a moment to unfurl, so allow a full minute for the first steep. The clean, light character makes kamairicha an excellent pairing with delicate foods.
Shop Kamairicha
Available at Nio Teas, delivering premium Japanese tea worldwide.
Use coupon code BWM2OSUOS310 at checkout for a discount.