Sencha Green Tea

Introducing our exquisite Sencha Green Tea, a quintessential brew from the revered Anhui province of China. This tea is distinguished for its mild, sweet, and subtly grassy flavour that captivates the senses with every sip. Grown at altitudes reaching up to 800 feet on the northern banks of the River Yangtze, the unique geographical conditions contribute significantly to the exceptional quality of this variety.

Beyond the delightful taste, Sencha Green Tea is also renowned for its health-boosting properties. Regular consumption can aid in weight loss, foster heart health, and reduce the risk of developing type-2 diabetes, making it as beneficial as it is delicious. Whether you’re looking for a cup of tea to savour or an easy way to look after your wellbeing.

What is Sencha Green Tea

It is a type of green tea that originates from Japan. Although green tea has been consumed in China for thousands of years, Sencha Tea Leaves is unique to Japan and is the country's most popular tea, accounting for nearly 80% of the nation's tea consumption.

The term 'Sencha' means 'simmered tea', which distinguishes it from other types of green tea such as matcha (powdered tea). Unlike Matcha Tea, sencha leaves are not ground into a powder, but are instead steeped whole in hot water. This brewing method brings out the full range of flavors from the tea leaves, resulting in a lighter, more complex flavour profile compared to other types of green tea.

The history of Sencha Tea goes back to the 17th century, in the Edo period. A tea merchant named Nagatani Soen developed a new process for producing green tea. He found that by steaming the leaves immediately after picking and then rolling them before drying, he was able to produce a tea that was more flavorful and had a deeper green color than other teas available at the time.

This process is still used today to produce Sencha Green Tea and is now the standard method for green tea production in Japan.

How to Brew Green Sencha Tea

Making it is an art that requires a little patience and precision. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to brew this delightful tea to perfection:

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

You'll need Sencha Green Tea leaves, a teapot, and a cup. A traditional Japanese teapot, or kyusu, is preferred, but any small teapot will suffice.

Step 2: Preheat the Teapot

Pour hot water into the empty teapot. After a few seconds, pour this water into the cups to warm them. Then, discard the water from the cups.

Step 3: Measure the Tea Leaves

For every 240 ml (1 cup) of water, add about one teaspoon (3-4 grams) of leaves to the preheated teapot.

Step 4: Add Hot Water

Boil water and let it cool to approximately 70-80°C. Pour the water slowly and directly on the tea leaves to ensure an even infusion.

Step 5: Steep the Tea

Allow the tea to steep for about 2 to 3 minute. Sencha requires a shorter steeping time than other green teas due to its delicate nature.

Step 6: Serve

Pour the tea carefully into the preheated cups until the last drop. The last drop is said to be the most flavourful, so don't leave any in the pot.

Tasting Notes: The first sensation is a gentle sweetness that envelops the palate, followed by a mild vegetal note which is reminiscent of freshly steamed spinach.

Customising Your Sencha Green Tea

Once you've mastered brewing the perfect cup of Sencha Green Tea, you may wish to experiment by adding various ingredients to enhance its natural taste. Here are some options to consider:

Lemon: The tangy, refreshing flavour of lemon complements the grassy undertones of Sencha green tea well. Adding a slice of lemon can also amplify the tea's health benefits, as the citrus increases your body's ability to absorb the antioxidants in the tea.

Mint: A few fresh mint leaves can add a cooling, invigorating twist to your green tea, making it a perfect choice for a refreshing beverage on a hot day.

Honey: If you prefer your tea slightly sweet, consider adding a bit of honey. It's a natural sweetener that pairs wonderfully with the taste of Sencha green tea.

Ginger: For an immunity-boosting brew, add some thinly sliced ginger. This works particularly well in the colder months, adding warmth and aiding digestion.

CBD Oil: For those looking for a calming, relaxing cup of tea, adding a few drops of CBD oil to it can promote relaxation without causing drowsiness.

Remember, the beauty of this tea is its versatility and adaptability to suit your taste preference. Feel free to experiment until you find your perfect blend.

Green Tea Sencha Benefits

Boasting a myriad of health benefits, owing to its rich content of antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds.

1. Packed with Antioxidants: Sencha Loose Leaf Tea is rich in catechins, a type of antioxidant known to effectively combat cellular damage. This helps to prevent chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer.
2. Boosts Brain Function: The caffeine and L-theanine present in Sencha can enhance brain function, improving mood, reaction time, and memory.
3. Promotes Heart Health: Regular consumption can lower bad cholesterol levels and improve good cholesterol, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.
4. Supports Weight Loss: The tea boosts metabolic rates and fat burning, aiding in weight management.
5. Improves Oral Health: The catechins in Sencha can kill bacteria and inhibit viruses, leading to a reduced risk of infections and improved dental health.

For a more comprehensive look at the health benefits of green tea, please refer to our in-depth blog article on the subject.

Sencha Green Tea is a traditional tea that has been enjoyed for centuries. It has a unique flavour profile and is packed with antioxidants, offering numerous health benefits. Whether you choose to sip it plain or customise it with various ingredients, Sencha Green Tea is an excellent dietary choice for those looking to look after their wellbeing. Enjoy!