Sencha Tea: Japan Everyday Green Tea Guide
What is Sencha?
Sencha (煎茶) is Japan's most popular green tea, accounting for about 80% of all tea produced in Japan. Translated as ‘steeped tea,' Sencha is the daily driver of Japanese tea culture – the tea most Japanese people enjoy multiple times per day.
Unlike rarer teas reserved for ceremonies, Sencha represents accessible excellence. It offers remarkable complexity within reach of every tea lover.
Why Sencha Matters
Sencha bridges the gap between everyday drinking and fine tea. It delivers:
- Complex flavor – grassy, sweet, slightly astringent
- Accessible price – quality at every budget
- Versatility – hot, cold, with meals, alone
- Health benefits – researched antioxidants
Types of Sencha
By Harvest Time
- First Flush (Shincha) – earliest spring harvest, brightest flavor, most prized
- Second Flush – most common, balanced flavor
- Third Flush – stronger, more robust, better value
By Processing
- Asamushi – lightly steamed (30 seconds), lighter, sweeter
- Chumushi – medium steamed (30-60 seconds), most common
- Fukamushi – deeply steamed (60+ seconds), darker, more mellow
Sencha vs Other Japanese Teas
| Tea | Shade | Taste | Caffeine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sencha | No | Grassy, sweet, vegetal | Medium |
| Gyokuro | Yes | Sweet umami | High |
| Matcha | Yes | Rich, bold | Very High |
| Bancha | No | Mild, earthy | Low |
Health Benefits of Sencha
Rich in Antioxidants
Sencha contains powerful catechins, particularly EGCG, which research links to:
- Reduced inflammation
- Heart health support
- Metabolism boost
- Cellular protection
L-Theanine for Focus
The unique combination of caffeine and L-theanine provides calm alertness – energy without anxiety.
Vitamin C
Sencha is one of the best natural sources of vitamin C, especially when freshly brewed.
Dental Health
Catechins in Sencha may fight bacteria that cause cavities and bad breath.
How to Brew Perfect Sencha
| Element | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 70-80C (158-176F) |
| Tea Amount | 5g per 100ml |
| Steep Time | 1 minute first steep |
| Infusions | 2-3 times |
Brewing Steps
- Warm teapot – rinse with hot water
- Add leaves – approximately 5g
- Add water at correct temperature
- Steep 1 minute – don't over-steep
- Pour completely – serve immediately
Second and Third Steeps
Sencha rewards multiple infusions. Second steep: shorter (30 seconds), brighter. Third steep: even shorter, different flavor notes emerge.
Buying Sencha: What Matters
- Harvest date – fresher is better
- Origin – Uji, Shizuoka famous
- Processing – steamed level affects taste
- Leaf appearance – should be green, not brown
Price Tiers
- Everyday: $5-15 per 100g
- Good: $15-30 per 100g
- Premium: $30-60 per 100g
- Specialty: $60+ per 100g
Storing Sencha
- Airtight container – essential
- Cool, dark place – or refrigerate
- Use within months – freshness fades
- Avoid heat/light – degrades quality
Our Sencha Collection
We source Sencha from trusted farms across Japan's prime tea regions. Browse our selection to find your perfect daily cup.
