Exploring Japanese Green Tea Sencha

Sencha tea is one of the most consumed green teas in Japan

The name 'Sencha' 煎茶 translates to "infused tea," which refers to the traditional method of preparing this tea.

Sencha is made from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis tea plant, which is grown in direct sunlight to enhance the flavor and aroma.

The leaves are carefully picked, steamed, rolled, and dried to preserve their vibrant green color and delicate taste.

Steeped tea culture was introduced to Japan by the Buddhist priest Ingen (1592-1673) from China, and in effect introduced the Ming culture of serving and drinking tea using tea sets. This style continue to evolve when the Zen monk Eisai brought the first tea seeds from China to establish tea plantations. Since then, Sencha has become the most popular and widely consumed green tea in Japan.

Brewing Sencha tea is a simple yet artful process that requires attention to detail. To fully appreciate its flavors and aromas, it is essential to use the right water temperature and steeping time.

1. Bring the water for tea to a boil and then allow the water temperature to cool to around 75-80°C (167-176°F). Adding boiling water directly tends to scorch the delicate leaves and results in a bitter taste.
2. Measure approximately 8 to 10 grams of Sencha tea leaves for approximately 200 ml of water [per cup of water] and add the sencha leaves to a preheated teapot or tea infuser.
3. Pour the heated water over the tea leaves and let them steep for about 1-2 minutes. Adjust the steeping time based on your preference for a stronger or milder flavor.
4. Once the tea has steeped, pour off all of the steeped tea brew into a separate tea pourer and then serve the tea into the tea cups. Fine quality sencha is best appreciated in small tea cups.
5. Take a moment to appreciate the vibrant green colour and enticing aroma of the brewed Sencha tea.
6. Sip the tea slowly, allowing the flavours to permeate the palate. Notice the refreshing and lifted grassy notes with a hint of sweetness and a subtle astringency.
7. Feel free to experiment with varying brewing techniques, and tea-to-water ratios to find your perfect cup of Sencha tea.