Japanese Sencha
While there are many quality Sencha teas produced in China, our Sencha is produced in Japan, the country known worldwide for the production of green tea with exceptional quality. Chinese green tea leavesare usually pan fired while Japanese green tea leavesare steamed.The steaming of leaves stops oxidation and gives them a bright green color. Sencha tea is easily found on our market, but it is almost never the genuine Japanese sencha grown and packaged in the country of the rising sun. Do not trust the claims of manufacturers and importers of “Japanese sencha” right away and if you want to enjoy the real grassy flavor and bright green color of the most common tea in Japan – read the labels carefully.
Origin
Sencha tea is produced all over Japan, but 50% of its production is concentrated in Shizuoka prefecture. The majority of our tea is produced just there. Known for its warm, mild climate and sunny weather, compared to the rest of Japan, this part of the country provides perfect conditions for the cultivation of Sencha. The tea is grown under the sun all year round, unlike other Japanese tea trees which are covered at a certain stage of their development as they need be in the shade.
Preparation
Like other Japanese tea, sencha is prepared as leaves brew in a teapot with hot, but not boiling water – about 80 degrees. A good way to cool the boiling water is to pour it in the cups of tea you are going to use. This will help you determine just the right amount of water to pour into the teapot with sencha leafs. The amount of tea to be used varies, but on average, the recommended dose is 6 gr. sencha leafs for every 30 ml. of water. The tea is brewed for up to a minute, then distributed into cups by pouring consecutively small amount of tea in every cup.
Benefits
Sencha tea contains the highest levels of the catechin EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) in comparison to any other tea. These natural polyphenols are strong antibacterial and antiviral agents, they strengthen the walls of capillaries and promote the release of the body’s toxic compounds. Many scientists believe that EGCG plays positive role in the body’s fight against cancer.
This tea speeds up metabolism and fat burning. It is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols that help to neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals responsible for cell aging and many diseases.
Polyphenols act as a barrier to the absorption of cholesterol in the body and helps eliminate excess cholesterol. Regular intake of Sencha protects the body from heart disease and atherosclerosis.
The antioxidant properties of this drink help maintain youthful skin, reduce wrinkles and hydrate the skin. Sencha has a positive effect on irritated and damaged skin. Gargle with Sencha leads to great relief for sore throat or cough. The tea has a high content of vitamin C, which makes it useful at any time.
