What does the word Sencha mean?

The word "sencha" (煎茶) is a Japanese term that translates to "steeped tea" or "infused tea." It refers to the way that the tea is prepared, which involves steeping the tea leaves in hot water to extract their flavor and aroma.

The term "sencha" is often used to distinguish Japanese green tea from other types of tea, such as matcha, which is made from powdered tea leaves that are whisked into hot water, or hojicha, which is a roasted green tea. Sencha tea is the most commonly consumed type of green tea in Japan and is enjoyed for its fresh, grassy flavour and numerous health benefits.

What does Sencha Tea look like?

Here's a photo of our own Sencha Tea. The leaves are very delicate and rolled. We've used a bright light here, but the actual colour is a bit darker.

What is Sencha Tea?

Sencha tea is a type of Japanese green tea that is made from the leaves of the Camellia senensis plant. It is one of the most popular types of green tea in Japan and is enjoyed for its fresh, grassy flavour and numerous health benefits.

The leaves used to make sencha tea are steamed immediately after being harvested, which helps to preserve their natural green colour and flavour. The steaming process also helps to prevent oxidation and preserve the tea's nutritional content. After steaming, the leaves are rolled, shaped, and dried.

Sencha tea is typically brewed using hot water that is between 160 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit (70-80 degrees Celsius), and steeped for 1-3 minutes, depending on the desired strength. The resulting tea has a light green colour and a fresh, slightly sweet taste. Sencha tea is often enjoyed on its own, but it can also be blended with other ingredients such as roasted rice or mint.

History of Sencha Tea

Sencha tea is a type of Japanese green tea that has been enjoyed for centuries. The history of sencha tea can be traced back to the 8th century, when Japanese Buddhist monks brought tea seeds from China and began cultivating them in Japan.

At first, the tea was consumed as a powder, but in the 15th century, a new method of tea preparation was introduced called "steaming," which involved briefly steaming the tea leaves before drying and rolling them. This method resulted in a tea that was less bitter and more aromatic than the previous powder method, and it became known as sencha.

Sencha tea quickly gained popularity among the Japanese people, and it became a staple of Japanese tea culture. During the Edo period (1603-1868), sencha tea became even more popular, and it was widely consumed by the samurai class.

Today, sencha tea remains a popular drink in Japan and is enjoyed around the world. It is known for its fresh, grassy flavour and numerous health benefits, including high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

Does Sencha Tea Have Caffeine?

Yes, sencha tea contains caffeine, although the amount can vary depending on factors such as the type of tea, the brewing method, and the amount of tea used. Generally speaking, sencha tea contains about 30-50 milligrams of caffeine per 8-ounce (240-milliliter) cup, which is about half the amount found in a cup of coffee.

The caffeine in sencha tea is a natural stimulant that can help to increase mental alertness, boost energy levels, and improve concentration. However, it can also cause jitters, anxiety, and other side effects in some people, particularly if consumed in large amounts.

If you are sensitive to caffeine, or if you are trying to limit your caffeine intake, you may want to choose a decaffeinated version of sencha tea, or opt for a different type of tea altogether, such as herbal tea, which is naturally caffeine-free.

How to Use Sencha Tea

Sencha tea can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, depending on your personal preferences. Here are a few ways to use sencha tea:

1. Brew hot sencha tea: The most common way to use sencha tea is to brew it with hot water. To do this, simply add 1-2 teaspoons of sencha tea to a tea strainer or infuser and place it in a cup or teapot. Heat water to around 160-180 degrees Fahrenheit (70-80 degrees Celsius) and pour it over the tea leaves. Steep for 1-3 minutes, depending on the desired strength, and then remove the tea leaves. Enjoy hot, plain or with a sweetener of your choice.

2. Make iced sencha tea: Sencha tea can also be enjoyed as an iced tea. To make iced sencha tea, brew it as you would for hot tea, but use double the amount of tea leaves to make it stronger. Once brewed, pour the tea over ice and add a slice of lemon or other fruit if desired.

3. Blend with other ingredients: Sencha tea can be blended with other ingredients, such as mint, ginger, or fruit, to create a unique flavour. Simply add the additional ingredients to the tea before steeping, or mix them in after brewing.

4. Cook with sencha tea: Sencha tea can be used in cooking as well. Try using it as a flavourful base for soup, or as a marinade for fish or chicken.

Sencha Green Tea - Japanese Ceremonial Style

No matter how you choose to use sencha tea, it's a delicious and healthy way to enjoy the benefits of green tea.

Here at The Tea Cartel we have our very own premium Sencha Green Tea, we call it the "Calm" tea.  To purchase CALM SENCHA TEA click here.