Discovering Sencha: The Quintessential Japanese Green Tea

If you’re a green tea lover, chances are you’ve come across matcha, the vibrant powdered tea often used in lattes and desserts. But have you heard of sencha?

As a certified tea sommelier, I’ve always loved exploring different teas from around the world, and sencha holds a special place in my heart. Its fresh, grassy flavour and delicate umami make it a must-try for anyone interested in Japanese tea.

In this article, I’ll share what sencha is, its health benefits, and how to brew it properly.

What is Sencha?

An Introduction to Sencha Green Tea

Sencha is the most popular green tea in Japan, accounting for about 70-80% of the country's tea production. It is a steamed green tea made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, harvested during the first or second flush of the year. Unlike matcha, which is ground into a fine powder, sencha leaves are rolled into slender, needle-like shapes and brewed whole.

How Sencha is Made: The Steaming Process

What makes sencha unique is its steaming process. After harvesting, the tea leaves are steamed briefly to prevent oxidation. This method locks in the tea's bright green colour and fresh, grassy aroma. The leaves are then rolled, shaped, and dried.

Health Benefits of Sencha

Sencha is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. Here’s why you should consider adding it to your daily routine:

1. Rich in Antioxidants

Sencha is loaded with catechins, a type of antioxidant that helps combat free radicals in the body. These antioxidants can support cellular health and contribute to a youthful glow.

2. Boosts Metabolism and Aids Weight Management

Like many green teas, sencha contains EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate), known for its potential to boost metabolism. Paired with a balanced diet, sencha may support weight management.

3. Promotes Calm Focus

Sencha contains both caffeine and L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation. This combination offers a gentle energy boost without the jitters commonly associated with coffee.

4. Supports Heart Health

Regular consumption of sencha may help reduce bad cholesterol levels and improve cardiovascular health.

5. Strengthens Immunity

The polyphenols in sencha have antibacterial properties that may boost the immune system, keeping seasonal illnesses at bay.

How to Brew Sencha for the Best Flavour

Brewing sencha requires a bit of attention, but it’s well worth the effort. Here's how to do it:

What You’ll Need:

• 3g of sencha tea leaves
• 200ml of water
• A kyusu (Japanese teapot) or a tea strainer

Step-by-Step Brewing Guide:

1. Heat the Water: Use water at 70–80°C. Boiling water can scorch the delicate leaves, leading to bitterness.
2. Add the Leaves: Place 3g of sencha leaves into your teapot or strainer.
3. Brew Time: Pour the hot water over the leaves and let it steep for 1–2 minutes.
4. Serve and Savour: Pour the tea into your cup slowly, ensuring an even distribution of flavour.

Pro Tip: Sencha leaves can be re-steeped 2–3 times. Shorten the brewing time to 30 seconds for the second and third steeps.

 

So next time you’re looking to enjoy a warm, nourishing cup of tea, consider giving sencha a try—you might just find a new staple for your tea collection!