What does Sencha tea taste like?
As tea enthusiasts, we’re always eager to explore the wide world of tea flavors, and Sencha tea has definitely caught our attention. Sencha tea, a popular green tea variety from Japan, has a unique flavor profile that makes it stand out from other green teas.
When it comes to taste, sencha tea offers a delightful balance between sweetness, bitterness, and umami. Grown under full sun, sencha leaves are steamed and rolled, which helps preserve their vibrant green color and fresh, grassy aroma. This process also contributes to the tea’s distinct flavor, which can be influenced by factors such as the quality of the leaves, harvest time, and brewing methods.
Keep reading to find out more about this well-liked drink!
Please note: This article contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link. Of course, this comes at no extra cost to you and helps me to keep offering solid information to readers.
What Is Sencha Tea?
Sencha tea is a popular type of Japanese green tea that is well-known for its unique and refreshing taste. It’s made from the top leaves and buds of the tea plant, which are carefully harvested, steamed, rolled, and dried to preserve their flavor and nutrients. As a result, sencha tea has a vibrant green color and a high concentration of natural antioxidants and health-promoting compounds.
We prefer to drink Sencha tea because of its numerous health benefits. It contains a wealth of vitamins and minerals, as well as chlorophyll, catechins, and other antioxidants. These antioxidants are known to neutralize harmful free radicals, support a healthy immune system, and promote heart health.
In addition, the tea has a relatively low level of caffeine, making it a great choice for those who want the benefits of green tea without the jitters.
Read More: What is Sencha Tea?
What Does Sencha Tea Taste Like?
As we explore the taste profile of Sencha tea, we’ll notice that the unique and delicious flavor can be attributed to its three main characteristics: umami flavor, vegetal notes, and astringency. Let’s take a look at these individually.
Umami Flavor
The umami flavor is one of the five basic tastes, and it’s predominantly found in savory and protein-rich foods. Sencha tea has a distinct umami taste, thanks to the high levels of theanine, an amino acid present in tea leaves.
During the production process, Sencha leaves are briefly steamed, allowing the tea to retain a higher theanine content. This results in a rich, brothy, and savory taste that sets Sencha apart from other green teas.
Vegetal Notes
The vegetal notes on the tea are mostly attributed to the high levels of chlorophyll found in the tea leaves. Since Sencha is steamed (to prevent oxidation), it retains its vibrant green color and grassy taste.
Some common vegetal notes in the tea include spinach, kale, and seaweed, making it a delightful experience for those who appreciate the natural flavors of fresh greens.
Astringency
Lastly, astringency is essential in shaping this tea’s taste profile. Astringency is that slightly puckering, dry sensation you feel on your tongue and inner cheeks after savoring certain foods or beverages. In tea, astringency comes from the presence of catechins, a type of polyphenol that acts as a natural antioxidant. The degree of astringency in Sencha depends on factors such as the quality of the tea leaves, brewing time, and water temperature.
By adjusting the brewing parameters, we can control the level of astringency in our final cup of tea to suit our preferences.
Factors Affecting Sencha Tea Taste
We will now explore the various factors that influence the taste of Sencha tea. These factors can affect the flavor, aroma, and overall quality of the tea.
Cultivar
The cultivar, or variety, of the tea plant, plays a significant role in the taste of the tea. Several cultivars are used for Sencha production, each with its unique flavor profile. Some popular cultivars include Yabukita, Asatsuyu, and Sayamakaori. The differences in taste can range from subtle to pronounced.
Harvesting Time
The timing of the harvest also impacts the tea taste. Generally, teas harvested in the early spring season, known as ‘first flush’ or ‘Shincha,’ are considered the highest quality. The early spring leaves produce a more delicate, sweeter flavor with a hint of grassy notes. As the harvest season progresses, the tea leaves develop stronger, more robust flavors.
Steaming Process
The steaming process used in Sencha production helps preserve its vibrant green color and distinct taste. There are three primary steaming methods: light (Asamushi), medium (Futsumushi), and deep (Fukamushi). The level of steaming affects the tea’s flavor, texture, and appearance:
- Light steaming (Asamushi) creates a tea with a more subtle taste and a refreshing, floral aroma.
- Medium steaming (Futsumushi) imparts a balanced flavor and slightly cloudy appearance due to the tea leaf particles.
- Deep steaming (Fukamushi) results in a bolder, full-bodied taste with a vivid green color and somewhat thicker texture.
Shade-Grown Vs Sun-Grown
Another factor influencing the taste of Sencha tea is whether it has been grown in the shade or under sunlight. Even though we often consider Sencha a sun-grown tea, the term can be widely applied to leaves that are picked young, steamed, rolled, and dried.
Shade-grown Sencha, like Kabusecha, develops a deeper green color and a sweeter taste due to increased chlorophyll production.
On the other hand, sun-grown Sencha possesses a more robust flavor with pronounced grassy notes and a slightly astringent finish. Most Sencha are sun-grown though.
Tea Brewing Techniques
The brewing process can also affect the taste of Sencha tea. The water temperature, tea-to-water ratio, and steeping time all impact the final flavor.
We recommend setting these factors as follows:
- Water temperature – 155-175°F (68-80°C)
- Tea-to-water Ratio – 1 or 2 ounces of tea (2-3 grams) per 8 ounces of water
- Steeping time – 1-2 minutes
Now, you can adjust these variables to attain a flavor of your liking, whether you prefer a light, delicate taste or a stronger, more robust character.
How To Enjoy Sencha Tea At Its Best
To truly enjoy the unique taste of Sencha tea, we recommend following these steps to prepare and enjoy it:
First, gather the necessary tea tools such as a kyusu (a traditional Japanese teapot), a small teacup or chawan, and high-quality sencha green tea leaves.
Next, measure out the appropriate amount of Sencha tea leaves. We suggest using about 1 teaspoon (2 grams) of sencha tea leaves per 100 ml (3.4 oz) of water.
Heat the water to the ideal temperature for brewing sencha tea, which is around 155-175°F (68-80°C). Avoid boiling water as it can bring out the bitterness in the tea, affecting its taste.
- Place the measured Sencha tea leaves into the kyusu.
- Pour the heated water over the tea leaves and cover the kyusu with its lid.
- Let the tea steep for 1-2 minutes. Resist the urge to stir or agitate the leaves.
- Once the tea has steeped, pour it into a small teacup or chawan, filling only about 1/3 to 1/2 of the cup.
- Enjoy the tea slowly, savoring its delicate aroma and unique flavor.
Aside from the traditional way, we encourage experimenting with different ways to enjoy sencha tea:
- Try varying the water temperature or steeping time to suit your taste preferences.
- Consider adding Sencha tea to various dishes, such as smoothies, cocktails, and desserts for a unique flavor twist
- Enjoy sencha tea as an accompaniment to Japanese meals, or use it as a palate cleanser between dishes.
By following these steps, we can all indulge in the rich and refreshing taste of sencha tea, while appreciating its underlying complexities.
Different Grades Of Sencha Tea
Sencha tea is available in a variety of grades, each offering a unique flavor profile and quality. Let’s explore the different grades, their characteristics, and how they impact the taste.
There are three primary grades of sencha tea on the market: premium or first-harvest grade, second-harvest grade, and third-harvest grade. Each grade corresponds to the time of harvest and leaves’ position on the tea plant.
- Premium or First-Harvest Grade: This grade is also known as “Ichiban-cha” or “Shincha” in Japan. The first-harvest sencha leaves are handpicked in the spring and contain a higher nutrient content, making for a richer flavor and sweeter undertones. The taste of this grade is often described as grassy, fresh, and slightly sweet.
- Second-Harvest Grade: This sencha is harvested during the summer months and consists of leaves that have been exposed to more sunlight. As a result, it contains a bit less sweetness and a slightly more astringent taste compared to the first-harvest grade. Nonetheless, it still offers a pleasant and refreshing flavor.
- Third-Harvest Grade: Harvested at the end of summer or early autumn, this grade comprises the lowest leaves on the plant. The taste is somewhat more subdued and earthy than the preceding grades, with a notable astringency.
Considering these factors, we can appreciate the diverse range of flavors and nuances that different grades of Sencha tea can offer. Experimenting with various types can enhance your tea experience, as each grade brings its unique charm and taste to the table.
Pairing Sencha Tea With Foods
Sencha tea has a unique and delightful taste profile that pairs excellently with a variety of foods. The tea’s different notes complement many culinary delights, enhancing your overall dining experience. We’d like to share some of our favorite food pairings to elevate your tasting adventure.
First and foremost, Sencha tea is a perfect match for traditional Japanese cuisine. The green tea’s astringency balances out the savory components of sushi and tempura dishes. Additionally, its subtle sweetness complements the delicate flavors of sashimi and helps cleanse the palate between bites. Consider pairing sencha tea with:
- Sushi rolls: such as California rolls, spicy tuna rolls, and cucumber rolls
- Sashimi: particularly salmon, tuna, or yellowtail
- Tempura: like shrimp or vegetable tempura
Fusion dishes can also benefit from Sencha tea’s unique flavor. Many Asian-inspired salads, noodle dishes, or even light stir-fries can be beautifully paired with the tea. The mild astringency of the sencha tea cuts through any greasiness, while the umami notes in the tea highlight the flavorful components of these dishes. Some great options to pair with sencha tea include:
- Salads: such as a mixed greens salad with sesame dressing
- Noodles: soba or udon noodles tossed in a light soy sauce
- Stir-fries: featuring a medley of vegetables with a light teriyaki sauce
Lastly, don’t overlook the potential of Sencha tea paired with various Western foods. Delicate and light sandwiches or even fruity desserts can make for a delightful afternoon tea experience when accompanied by Sencha tea. For this type of pairing, consider:
- Sandwiches: cucumber sandwiches or smoked salmon and cream cheese on small crostinis
- Desserts: a slice of lemon tart or a berry fruit salad
Sencha Green Tea Buying Recommendations
I recommend visiting a tea specialist to get the best quality Sencha tea (that fits your budget). In this way, you will get direct advice on what to buy and you may even be able to get a taste before making a decision.
If you are limited on time, here are some recommendations to start your sencha tea journey (buy online):
Uji-Kyoto Green Tea leaves Sencha
Organic Japanese Sencha – First Harvest Saemidori Cultivar
If you are interested in preparing the tea in a traditional way, here are some recommendations on teapots and cups.
Hope you have enjoyed the article! Cheers!
To you, what does Sencha tea taste like?
More About Green Tea
What Does Green Tea Taste Like?