How To Brew Sencha Green Tea

Originating from Japan's lush tea plantations, sencha green tea has been a staple tea cherished by the Japanese for centuries, exuding harmonious flavor, aroma, and health. 

Brewing Sencha green tea may seem tricky, but with a little practice, you can master it. This tea is known for offering a wide range of flavors, depending on how you brew it. In this article let's learn about the benefits of Sencha green tea and how to brew it.

What Is Sencha Green Tea?

Sencha green tea is a popular Japanese green tea made from whole tea leaves. Known for its fresh, grassy flavor and vibrant green color, sencha is the most commonly consumed tea in Japan.

Tea leaves are steamed shortly after picking to prevent oxidation, which helps to preserve the tea's natural flavor and nutritional value. It is also heavily kneaded to concentrate its flavor. This process allows the tea to brew quickly and produce a strong, concentrated flavor. Japanese tea culture focuses on producing a strong flavor, so little can go wrong during the brewing process.

Sencha green tea uses young leaves that are high in caffeine and catechins, and rich in antioxidants, especially catechins. These compounds give the tea its bitter yet savory flavor. Their health benefits are well known and include boosting metabolism, improving heart health, and fighting inflammation.

Sipping a cup of sencha can be a soothing daily ritual that is both relaxing and gently energizing, making it an excellent choice for tea enthusiasts looking to improve their health. However, they also make the tea very sensitive to brewing conditions such as time and temperature. Even small changes can dramatically affect the flavor of the tea.

Introducing Yame Sayamidori Sencha

Today, we'll be using Yame Sayamidori Sencha, the first pluck tea from April 2020. This tea comes from the Yame region in Fukuoka, Japan, a place known for its high-quality tea. The Sayamidori cultivar is a cross between Asatsuyu and Yabukita and was shade-grown for two weeks to enhance its umami and theanine content.

Japanese Sencha Green Tea Benefits

Fat Burning, Weight-Loss

Sencha can aid in weight loss and fat burning due to its high content of catechins and caffeine. These compounds boost metabolism and increase the body's ability to burn fat, making it a popular choice for those looking to shed extra pounds.

Read more about green tea having caffeine.

Immune System Boosting

Drinking Sencha green tea regularly can enhance the immune system. The antioxidants and vitamins in the tea help strengthen the body's defenses against infections and illnesses, keeping you healthier year-round.

Sencha is Rich in Antioxidants

Sencha green tea is packed with antioxidants, particularly catechins, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. These antioxidants are known to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and promote overall health.

Mental Focus and Clarity

The combination of caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine in Sencha provides a balanced energy boost without the jittery effects often associated with coffee. This blend enhances mental focus, clarity, and alertness, making it an ideal beverage for staying sharp throughout the day.

Fights Bad Breath and Promotes Good Hygiene

Sencha contains natural antibacterial properties that help fight bacteria in the mouth, reducing bad breath and promoting good oral hygiene. It can be an effective natural remedy for maintaining fresh breath and a healthy mouth.

Immune System Support

Sencha green tea is rich in vital nutrients, including vitamins C and E, which play a crucial role in maintaining a robust immune system. Regular consumption of Sencha can help fortify your body's natural defenses, potentially reducing the risk of infections and keeping you healthier throughout the year.

Skin Health

The powerful antioxidants found in Sencha green tea protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by UV radiation and pollution. These antioxidants not only help in preventing damage but may also have anti-aging properties, promoting healthier, more youthful-looking skin. Drinking Sencha regularly can be a simple yet effective part of your skincare routine.

Find out more about the benefits of green tea.

Brewing Parameters to Test

The two main variables you need to focus on when brewing Sencha are temperature and time. We'll use 4.5 grams of tea per 100 ml of water. Our tests will involve brewing the tea at:

• 70°C for 30 seconds
• 70°C for 60 seconds
• 90°C for 30 seconds
• 90°C for 60 seconds

Sencha Brewing Temperature

70°C Brews

• 30 seconds: Sweet, brothy, and umami-rich. No bitterness, very light and fresh.
• 60 seconds: Thicker and more concentrated but still brothy and savory.

90°C Brews

• 30 seconds: Still brothy but with an edgier taste. Some astringency and dryness.
• 60 seconds: Thicker but more bitter and astringent. A punchier experience.

Key Factors to Consider

• Thickness and Texture: Longer brewing and higher temperatures increase thickness but also astringency.
• Bitterness: Higher temperatures extract more caffeine and catechins, resulting in more bitterness.
• Taste EQ: Higher temperatures and longer times bring out deeper, bassier notes but may lose brighter, more delicate flavors.
• Length of Finish: Longer and hotter brews result in a more extended finish.
• Body Sensation: Cooler brews provide a calm, feel-good sensation, while hotter brews are more energizing.

How to Brew Sencha Green Tea Like a Pro

To brew Japanese Sencha green tea, prepare your tea utensils. If you want to have a better experience, buy Teatsy Japanese tea set for an immersive tea brewing experience. We also have traveling tea sets.

To get started, gather the necessary tools and ingredients. 

• 4.5 grams of tea per 100 ml of water
• Adjust the temperature based on the leaf type: 70°C for broken leaves, 75°C for whole leaves
• Warm up your teaware

Brewing Steps

Step 1. Begin the brewing process with the first infusion. Place the tea leaves in the warmed teaware and pour the hot water over them. Let the tea steep for 75 to 90 seconds. This initial infusion will yield a rich, brothy tea with a pronounced umami flavor.

Step 2. For the second infusion, reduce the brewing time to just 20 seconds. This step results in a lighter, more herbaceous tea with a fresh, vibrant taste. The quicker steeping time helps prevent the tea from becoming too strong or bitter.

Step 3. The third infusion should last between 50 to 60 seconds. At this stage, the tea strikes a pleasant balance between the brothy richness of the first infusion and the fresh, herbaceous notes of the second.

Step 4. If you desire an optional fourth infusion, increase the water temperature to 90°C and brew for one minute. This final infusion will produce a more energetic and slightly astringent tea, providing an extra kick for those who enjoy a stronger flavor profile.

By carefully following these steps, you can fully appreciate the nuanced flavors and aromas of Sencha green tea. Whether you are a seasoned tea enthusiast or new to the world of Japanese green tea, mastering these techniques will enhance your tea-drinking experience and allow you to brew Sencha like a pro.

Read more about how to brew green tea.

Conclusion

Brewing Sencha green tea requires attention to detail but with practice, you can tailor the brewing process to your taste. Understanding the effects of temperature and time on the tea will help you achieve the perfect cup each time. Follow these steps and adjust based on your preferences to enjoy the full range of flavors Sencha has to offer. Happy brewing!