Kuromoji (Lindera umbellata) has a refreshing fragrance in its branches and bark, making it a popular natural material. Winter, when the leaves have fallen and the fragrance is concentrated in the branches, is the best season for making kuromoji toothpicks. Freshly harvested kuromoji branches. Harvested in: Miyagi Prefecture Harvest Date: December 25, 2025 [How to Use Kuromoji Branches (approx. 2 cm in diameter)] ＜Woodcraft Materials＞ Branches with a diameter of around 2 cm are the perfect size for handmade items such as pen shafts, chopsticks, and spoons. When shaved, they release a refreshing fragrance, and the wood grain has a bright color, resulting in a beautiful finish. ＜Aroma Sticks/Essential Oil Extraction＞ Kuromoji is attracting attention as a "Japanese aroma," and the branches can be cut and used as **aroma sticks (fragrant wood)**. You can enjoy the subtle fragrance just by placing them indoors. It is also possible to extract kuromoji essential oil from the branches. ＜Bath Sticks＞ Cut branches with a diameter of around 2 cm into pieces about 10 cm long and float them in the bath to release their natural fragrance into the water. ＜Material for Health Tea Brewing＞ The fragrance is stronger than that of small twigs, so it is also popular as a material for brewing kuromoji tea. ＜Tea Utensils/Toothpick Material＞ Thin branches are used for "kuromoji toothpicks" for Japanese sweets, but branches with a diameter of around 2 cm are suitable for carving out the base material for toothpicks. *Kuromoji branches with a diameter of around 2 cm are valuable materials for "shaving and using," "brewing and using," and "enjoying the fragrance." [Estimated Shelf Life of Kuromoji Branch Fragrance] 1. Natural Drying/Room Temperature Storage: Branches that have been naturally dried in a well-ventilated room can be enjoyed for about six months to a year. The fragrance gradually evaporates and weakens over time, but a fresh fragrance emerges when shaved. 2. Sealed Storage (Plastic Bag/Jar): Storing the branches in an airtight container or zip-lock bag can preserve the fragrance for about 1-2 years. It is best to avoid high temperatures and humidity and store them in a cool, dark place. [Contents] 39 kuromoji branches, approximately 24 cm long 20 cm - 25 cm: 13 branches 15 cm - 20 cm: 11 branches 10 cm - 15 cm: 15 branches Due to the natural material, there are variations in thickness and length. We hope you enjoy the fragrance and texture.