What is Sencha Tea, History and Use?

March 27, 2023By The Tea Cartel

What is Sencha Green Tea

Sencha green tea is a type of Japanese green tea that is made from the top leaves of the tea plant, known as the "first flush." The leaves are steamed to stop oxidation and preserve their green colour and fresh flavour. Sencha green tea is one of the most popular teas in Japan and is enjoyed for its unique flavour and potential health benefits.

Sencha green tea has a vegetal, grassy flavour with a slightly astringent finish. The flavour can vary depending on the region where the tea is grown and the specific processing method used. Sencha green tea is often described as having a delicate sweetness and a refreshing, uplifting quality.

Sencha green tea is rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins and epicatechins, which have been associated with a number of potential health benefits. These include reducing the risk of heart disease, improving cognitive function, and helping to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Sencha green tea is also believed to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a popular choice for promoting overall health and well-being.

Sencha green tea is typically brewed with water that is around 80-85°C (176-185°F) for 1-2 minutes. It can be enjoyed plain or with a bit of honey or lemon for added flavour. It is also used as an ingredient in a variety of culinary dishes, including desserts, sauces, and marinades.

Sencha Green Tea History

Sencha tea has a history dating back hundreds of years. Sencha tea is a type of Japanese green tea that 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.

Sencha tea has many uses, but it's most often enjoyed warm or iced. You can make sencha tea cool it and add to your smoothies or in lieu of black tea for bubble tea (boba).

Why You Should Drink Sencha Tea

There are several reasons why you might want to consider drinking sencha green tea:

Health Benefits: Sencha is rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins and epicatechins, which have been associated with a number of potential health benefits. These include reducing the risk of heart disease, improving cognitive function, and helping to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Sencha green tea is also believed to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a popular choice for promoting overall health and well-being.
Unique Flavor: Sencha green tea has a distinctive flavor that is often described as vegetal, grassy, and slightly sweet. It can have a slight bitterness or astringency, depending on the processing method and the brewing technique. The flavor profile of sencha can be enjoyed on its own or paired with food for a unique culinary experience.
Convenience: Sencha green tea is widely available in tea bags or loose-leaf form, making it easy to incorporate into your daily routine. It can be brewed quickly and enjoyed hot or cold, making it a convenient choice for people who are always on the go.
Cultural Significance: Sencha green tea is an important part of Japanese culture and is often served as part of the Japanese tea ceremony. By drinking sencha, you can experience a taste of Japanese culture and history.

Overall, sencha green tea is a delicious and healthy beverage that can provide a number of potential health benefits. Whether you're looking to improve your overall well-being or simply enjoy the unique flavor, sencha green tea is a great choice.

6 Interesting Facts About Sencha Tea

Sencha is a popular Japanese green tea that has a number of interesting facts associated with it. Here are a few:

Harvesting: Sencha is made from the top leaves of the tea plant, which are harvested in the early spring. These young leaves are considered to be the most tender and flavorful.
Processing: Sencha is processed using a steaming method known as "fukamushi," which involves steaming the tea leaves for a longer period of time than other green teas. This produces a darker color and a slightly more astringent flavor.
Flavor: Sencha has a unique flavor profile that is often described as vegetal, grassy, and slightly sweet. It can have a slight bitterness or astringency, depending on the processing method and the brewing technique.
Health Benefits: Sencha is rich in antioxidants and has been associated with a number of potential health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease, lowering cholesterol levels, and improving cognitive function.
Cultivation: Sencha is primarily grown in Japan, where it is a staple beverage. However, it is also grown in other countries, such as China, Korea, and Taiwan.
Japanese Tea Ceremony: Sencha is often served as part of the Japanese tea ceremony, where it is prepared and served in a traditional manner. The ceremony is a cultural tradition that emphasizes respect, tranquility, and simplicity.

Overall, sencha is a fascinating tea with a long history and a unique flavor profile. It is enjoyed by tea drinkers around the world and is known for its potential health benefits as well as its cultural significance in Japan.