At a glance: Kyoto Softness green tea, a blend of Sencha and Genmaicha lifted with ginger, orange, cardamom and rose, with indulgent pistachio notes. Steep 12 to 15 g/L at 70-80°C for 2 to 3 minutes.
Our Kyoto Softness was born from a simple idea: to create a green tea that is both vegetal and indulgent, effortlessly drinkable from a quiet morning through to a late-afternoon break. Gently floral and smooth, it recalls the tender crunch of a fresh pistachio.
Julien Huot, founder of the house, conceived this blend as a moment of calm. Sencha for its fresh, grassy character, Genmaicha for its toasty warmth, rose and cardamom for the aromatic signature. An approachable, refined creation that appeals equally to seasoned tea lovers and curious new palates.
The aromatic profile of Kyoto Softness
The infusion yields a clear, golden, faintly green liquor. On the nose, an immediate note of toasted cereal from the Genmaicha, followed by a floral trail where rose and cardamom softly converse. A promise of sweetness, with no heaviness.
On the palate, the first sip is full and rounded. The Sencha brings its characteristic vegetal freshness, like cut grass and still-tender almond. Then comes that indulgent signature evoking pistachio: creamy, lightly buttery, never sugary.
The candied ginger works in the background. It warms the cup without any sharpness, adding depth and a hint of citrus echoed by the orange slices. The cardamom, understated, extends the finish and gives it that delicate spiced quality reminiscent of Eastern pastries.
The ingredients that make up this blend
- Extra Sencha: a vegetal, fresh and lightly briny base, the classic foundation of green tea. It brings length on the palate and colour to the infusion.
- Genmaicha: Sencha blended with puffed roasted rice. It adds that toasted cereal warmth that tips the cup into indulgent territory.
- Candied ginger in raw cane sugar: gentle warmth with a light natural sweetness.
- Orange slices: a citrus note that brightens the whole blend.
- Cardamom: a refined, almost mentholated spice that lingers through the finish.
- Rose petals: a floral touch that softens the profile and rounds out the aftertaste.
- Natural pistachio flavouring: the indulgent signature that ties all the ingredients together.
This combination produces a balanced tea, never assertive, that can be enjoyed throughout the day. If you prefer clean, more pared-back vegetal profiles, our green mint offers a more direct freshness, while fresh mint brings a different, rounded sweetness.
How to prepare Kyoto Softness green tea
Brewing a green tea calls for a little care with temperature. That is the key point: water that is too hot will turn the infusion bitter and overwhelm the delicate rose and pistachio notes. Here is the method we recommend.
Dosage: 12 to 15 g of leaves per litre, or roughly 2 to 3 g for a 200 ml cup. A heaped teaspoon is enough. Adjust to taste: a little less for a lighter profile, a little more to intensify the toasted notes of the Genmaicha.
Temperature: 70 to 80°C. If you do not have a temperature-controlled kettle, bring the water to a gentle simmer then let it rest for 2 to 3 minutes before pouring. This simple step prevents the leaves from scalding.
Steeping time: 2 to 3 minutes. Beyond that, the tannins from the Sencha take over and mask the blend's indulgent character. Taste at 2 minutes on your first try, then adjust from there.
Accessories: a teapot with a wide filter or a generous tea infuser works best. The leaves need room to unfurl fully and release their aromatic potential. A clear porcelain cup will show off the golden colour of the infusion beautifully.
You can also make an iced version: cold-steep for 6 to 8 hours in the fridge, using 10 g per litre of filtered water. This method yields a particularly smooth, bitterness-free cup, perfect in summer. Explore our guide on when to drink green tea to find your ideal moment.
Storage
Stored in our workshop away from light and moisture, this tea retains its full aromatic freshness for 24 months. Once opened, transfer it to an airtight, opaque tin at room temperature, away from heat sources and strongly scented foods. Avoid the fridge: condensation would damage the leaves.
Frequently asked questions
How do I brew a pistachio-flavoured infusion?
Use 12 to 15 g of leaves per litre of water at 70-80°C and steep for 2 to 3 minutes. Strain and enjoy plain. This method preserves the pistachio note without letting the Sencha's bitterness come forward.
What are the ingredients in Kyoto Softness pistachio tea?
Our blend combines extra China Sencha, Genmaicha, cane sugar ginger, orange slices, cardamom, rose petals and natural flavouring. The full composition is listed in the Ingredients section of this page.
What is the ideal steeping time?
Between 2 and 3 minutes, at 70-80°C. Taste at 2 minutes on your first try, then adjust. Beyond 3 minutes, the tannins in the green tea take over and the indulgent character fades in favour of a more astringent note.
Where can I buy this pistachio green tea online?
You will find it on our website, in our green tea selection. To continue the indulgent theme, our pistachio and white chocolate rooibos offers a caffeine-free alternative.
Can it be enjoyed throughout the day?
Yes. This green tea remains light and low in astringency thanks to the Genmaicha, which softens the Sencha. It works beautifully in the morning, through the afternoon, or alongside a dessert. Try Kyoto Softness as part of your daily ritual for a gentle, fragrant pause.
