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Green tea · Pan-fired Japanese green

Kamairicha

釜炒り茶, kamairi-cha

7.0/10 editor's score

A Japanese green tea pan-fired in iron pans instead of steamed. It is a speciality of Kyushu, where Ureshino and Sechibaru are among the most respected makers.

Pan-firedKyushuJapan
↓ Jump to brew guideAbout this teaCompare

Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

Dry leaf of Kamairicha, top-down

What you need

3 g leafKamairicha
250 ml water75 to 85°C
Steep 1:002 steeps
LiquorPale gold
Served inKyūsu and yunomi

At a glance

A Japanese green tea pan-fired in iron pans instead of steamed.

CaffeineLow to medium~20 to 40 mg, our estimate
Beginner fit8.5 / 10From the editor's score
HarvestSpringSpring leaf.
Pairs withRice crackers, Grilled fish, WagashiLess good with heavy spice
Grown atKyushu hillsUreshino, Saga, Kyushu
Served inKyūsu and yunomiJapanese teapot, tall cup

About Kamairicha

What sources say about the taste

Sources describe a mildly roasted flavour, more sweet and fresh than bitter, with a light, refreshing taste that lacks astringency 1.

01 · Aroma

First sip

Lift the cup and smell before you drink.

02 · Taste

Middle

Let it sit on the tongue for a moment.

03 · Finish

Finish

What stays after you swallow.

Hover or tap a noteBigger image and more dots mean a stronger note.

Notes and intensities are an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not our own tasting.

Where it grows

Ureshino, SagaKyushuJAPAN
Method
Pan-fired at 300 to 450°C 1
Shape
Comma or magatama shaped 1
Made in
Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki 1
Best known
Ureshino and Sechibaru 1

More from Ureshino, Saga and Japan.

History and culture

The pan-firing method came from China, and kamairicha is sometimes called "Chinese green tea" in Japan 1.

It is almost as high as sencha in several vitamins 1.

Editor's score

7.0/10

Weighted across six criteria: flavour 30%, heritage 20%, availability 15%, value 15%, beginners 10%, versatility 10%.

Based on published sources, not yet tasted. Rates the tea style, not a brand. How we score →

1086Flavour & complexity: 7.0Origin & heritage: 7.5Availability: 5.5Value: 7.0Beginner-friendliness: 8.5Versatility: 7.0Flavour 7.0Heritage 7.5Availability 5.5Value 7.0Beginners 8.5Versatility 7.0
Taste profile and caffeine

Profile is an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not a lab measurement or our own tasting.

Caffeine

Brewed coffee~95 mg
Black tea (average)~47 mg
Kamairicha~20 to 40 mg
Green tea (average)~28 mg

Our estimate. Per 8 fl oz (240 ml) cup. Coffee and tea averages from Mayo ClinicC.

Harvest calendar

Our general guide for Kyushu green tea. Tap a month or a season.

Cultivars and plant

Camellia sinensis grown in Kyushu 1.

How it is made
01Withering

A short wither 1.

02Pan-firing

Iron pans at 300 to 450°C, kept moving 1.

03Rolling

Rolled into commas 1.

04Drying

Dried 1.

Dry leaf and liquor
Dry leafCurly comma-shaped leaves 1.
LiquorPale gold.
After steeping
Wet leafTender green leaves.

The colour swatch is an approximate guide, not a photograph.

Food pairings and storage

Works well

  • Rice crackers
  • Grilled fish
  • Wagashi

Best avoided

  • Heavy spice

Pairings are general suggestions from the tea's style, not tested matches.

Storage

  • Airtight, opaque container, away from light, heat and smells.
  • Green tea fades fastest: aim to finish it within 3 to 6 months of opening.
  • Unopened sealed packs can go in the fridge. Let them reach room temperature before opening.
Grades and fakes

Graded by season and maker.

How to spot a poor or fake one

  1. It can also be made at home 1.
  2. Look for Kyushu origin.
FAQ
How is kamairicha different from sencha?

It is pan-fired, not steamed, and lacks the usual astringency 1.

Find it inGreen teasTeas from JapanUreshino, SagaPan-firedKyushuJapan

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, "Kamairicha". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamairicha
  2. Mayo Clinic, "Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more". www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372

Scores and content updated 30 Oct 2026.