Japanese Sencha Grade A
Japanese Sencha Grade A
Instructions
- Serving Size: 2.6g /cup
- Steeping Temp: 78°C
- Steeping Time: 2 mins.
- Certification: Organic
- Origin: Japan
- Caffeine: Medium Light
Japanese Sencha Grade A
This is undoubtedly the finest Japanese Sencha we have tasted to date. A prime example of what makes first flush sencha so sought after: a fine delicate vegetal aroma and taste, followed by an almond finish. Do not use water over 75C or the flavor profile will be ruined.
Story, Folklore, History...
Japanese Tea
In the 7th or 9th century, records indicate that Japan's Emperor Kammu gave visiting monks an imperial gift of powdered green tea. Emperor Kammu created a government post, Supervisor of Tea and Tea Gardens, as Japan began to cultivate its own tea. That this post was part of the government's medical bureau indicated that there was great respect for the health aspects of tea.
From 800 to 1200, Japan relied on China for its tea supply. Because it arrived in minimal quantities, tea became a luxury for medicinal and spiritual purposes. Zen Buddhist Eisai Myoan returned from China with tea seeds and planted them at his temple. He soon realized that the quality was superior to any tea currently grown in Japan. These seeds formed the basis of Japan's tea industry in the centuries to come.
Further evidence of the correlation between good health and tea was found in a small book that Eisai wrote titles "Tea drinking is good for health". He wrote that tea drinking confers many benefits including curing lack of appetite, diseases caused by poor quality drinking water, and vitamin B deficiency. Around this time, another tea enthusiast in Japan developed "The Ten Virtues of Tea". Amongst the virtues listed are:
- Drives away the devil
- Banishes drowsiness
- Wards off disease
- Strengthens friendship
- Keeps the viscera in harmony
- Disciplines body and mind
- Destroys the passions
- Gives a peaceful death
Tasting Notes
Certification: OrganicGrade or Quality: Leaf
Aroma: Grassy, chestnut
Infusion Aroma: Grassy, almond
Infusion Color: Green
Base flavor: Grassy, hint of nut, buttery finish
Infusion Strength: Medium-strong
Have you tried Japanese Sencha Grade A? Tell us what you think!
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This is exactly what you want with a high-quality Sencha. It is smooth and bright, with subtle vegetal and grassy notes and a slightly nutty finish. The flavours are all well-balanced and work harmoniously together. It has a buttery finish and no lingering aftertaste. I infused this tea three times before the flavour started to dissipate, each infusion had slightly different, enjoyable characteristics. It’s a really beautiful tea at a great price point, especially considering that it’s organic. Submitted by Cindy
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From the Shanti Tea Canada Blog
How to steep green tea properly - by Shanti Tea
In our workshops we come across a lot of people who didn’t previously realize that steeping time and water temperature affect the taste of tea drastically. Just a difference of 15 seconds, or a temperature variance of as little as 2 degrees can make the difference between an exquisite cup of tea and an awfully bitter tea experience.
Green tea, White Tea, and Oolong Tea
Using boiling water to steep tea only works well for black teas and herbal ‘teas’. For green, white, and oolong teas, boiling water can burn the tea leaves and make the tea very bitter. Generally there is a range between 75C and 85C for green, white, and oolong teas (see our specific tea product pages for temperature guidelines), but of course most people do not have a thermometer ready to measure water temperature; instead, they will simply wait for the kettle to whistle, then pour water onto the leaves. Again, this is fine for black teas and herbal teas, but there are a few tricks you can use to make sure that your water is closer to the appropriate temperature for your tea.