TeaFYI

Sencha

Yabukita

Sencha green tea tea — watercolor illustration
Oxidation 2%
Caffeine 20.0 mg
L-Theanine 10.0 mg
Harvest Spring (April-May)
Altitude 200-800m
Leaf Type One bud two leaves, needle-shaped

Description

Sencha is Japan's most popular green tea, accounting for roughly 80% of the country's tea production. The leaves are steamed immediately after picking to prevent oxidation, then rolled into tight needle shapes. This produces a bright golden-green liquor with a balanced combination of sweetness, astringency, and umami.

Brewing Guide

Temperature 75°C
Steep Time 60s
Water Ratio 50ml/g
Infusions 3x

Recommended vessel: Kyusu (Japanese side-handle teapot)

Premium shincha (first flush) and fukamushi (deep-steamed) sencha benefit from lower temperatures (70°C). Standard sencha does well at 75-80°C. Pour all liquid out completely between infusions to avoid bitterness.

Part of the Beverage FYI Family