Easy Guide to Sencha, Japan’s Most Beloved Green Tea

Last updated: August 24, 2020 at 0:39 am

What is Sencha tea?

Sencha green tea is the most popular and beloved tea of Japan. As most others types of Japanese tea, it is produced with the steamed method. Sencha tea leaves are traditionally rolled into needle shapes to preserve their scent and flavor. If you take a closer look, you might notice tiny pieces of broken leaves. Do not consider it as an imperfection. These fine particles add to the rich mouthfeel and luxurious velvety texture of the infusion.

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Tasting notes

Sencha is mild, grassy (think of cooked spinach and artichokes), balanced right between salty and sweet. Some types will offer a hint of astringency.

Fukamushi Sencha

Fukamushi (deep-steamed) sencha deserves a special note here. No other tea can offer such a thick full-bodied brew, mellow buttery flavor, and darker green color. During Fukamushi tea production, the tea leaves are steamed much longer than usual. Sometimes, they are deep steamed, broken, and then steamed again. That is why Fukamushi Sencha tea leaves have very fine, almost dust-like texture. When properly steeped (just 30 seconds is enough), the tea produces rich, characteristically cloudy infusion without a hint of bitterness.

Is Sencha better than Matcha?

Diehard Matcha fans who haven’t sampled Sencha tea often wonder what makes the latter so popular. Well, no two teas are made alike and there’s a lot to love about both these Japanese tea classics. Having said that, you should know the key differences between the two. Matcha is grown in the shade, whereas sunlight is crucial for the growth of high-quality Sencha green tea. As a result, Matcha is higher on caffeine and theanine, whereas Sencha ends up developing more antioxidants in the sun. So you’d get different health benefits from each tea. As far as flavor goes, Matcha is smooth, well-rounded and savory. In comparison, you’ll find Sencha lighter, uplifting, and refreshing. Many prefer it for its interesting vegetal aftertaste.

Sencha tea pinterest design

One of the best brands that offers quality and authentic Japanese teas online is Art of Tea. You will not find a vast assortment of teas here, instead, there is a selective collection of premium products. This brand is not exactly cheap, and for a reason: only the best, highest quality Japanese teas here!

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Art of Tea Online Store

Art of Tea Online Store

Wide selection of classic teas and signature blends in array of flavors. Loose leaf tea, sachets, tins, samples, gift sets. Kosher, Organic, Fair Trade certified. Customized tea blends offered as a part of Private Label program.
shop here
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Eisai’s Choice Sencha Tea

Eisai’s Choice Sencha Tea

A centering organic green tea with grassy flavor and a vibrant hue. Eisai's Choice Sencha's dark leaves denote the careful and mindful nurturing of true artisans. These stunning leaves are known to bring forth clarity and focus with each sip.
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best value
Sencha Leaf Tea Organic

Sencha Leaf Tea Organic

Sencha Tea is made from the first tender emerald green leaves of the tea plant. The leaves are harvested in early summer then steamed, twisted, and dried. While fresh and bright, its flavor is bittersweet with a hint of an ocean breeze, and has a clean finish.
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SENCHA GREEN TEA ECO PYRAMID TEABAGS

SENCHA GREEN TEA ECO PYRAMID TEABAGS

Enjoy our handcrafted Sencha Green tea in this eco-friendly, biodegradable pyramid sachet. Traditional organic Japanese-style green tea, deep steamed and carefully dried, it brews a lively, grassy cup.
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Sencha Green Tea

Sencha Green Tea

A Japanese green tea with a crisp savory taste. This green tea variety originates from Japan, made of leaves that are rolled and steamed to prevent them from oxidizing. It is the most popular tea variety in Japan, and is now appreciated by tea lovers across the world.
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Japanese Sencha Green Tea

Japanese Sencha Green Tea

  • Fine Teas
  • John Harney Master Tea Blender
A popular tea that is a good introduction to green teas. Character: Pleasant vegetal flavor Effects: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants Brewing Time: Less than boiling water, 3 minutes
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Organic Sencha Leaf Tea

Organic Sencha Leaf Tea

  • USDA Organic
  • Camellia Sinensis
  • Non-Irradiated
  • Kosher
  • Certified Organic by QAI
Brothy, vegetal, fresh and bright, this quintessential Japanese green tea can be enjoyed all day long. It is also an excellent tea to serve guests.
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Organic Loose Leaf Green Tea, Sencha

Organic Loose Leaf Green Tea, Sencha

  • No Leaf Unturned
  • Umami + Deep Green
  • USDA Organic
  • Brews 30 Cups
  • Certified Organic by QAI
  • Certified Kosher
  • Caffeine Level - Medium
You don't think the same as everyone else, so why drink the same? Rishi teas are something else. Discover new teas and join us on our botanical journey to leave no leaf unturned. Sencha: Japan's traditional steamed green tea grown in the nutrient-rich, volcanic soils of southern Kyushu. Taste: Bitter-sweet flavor, juicy mouthfeel + fresh aroma. Origin: Kyushu, Japan
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Organic Sencha

Organic Sencha

Use 1 to 2 teaspoons of Organic Sencha green tea leaves to each cup of filtered or mineral water. Steep in approximately 180o F (just below boiling) water for under 2-3 minutes. If you steep for too long, you could get a bitter flavor. We invite you to do a taste test between Sencha green tea from Japan and Dragon Well from China and let us know your favorite!
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