Sencha Tea: A general guide: Sencha tea is the fully sun-grown variety of Japanese green tea. Asamushi has an exquisite taste, and many of the highest quality teas are processed using the Asamushi method. We have a number of Kukicha teas, including a lovely citrus tea. Many years of experience has gone into creating the Fukumushi method, and the results have come to be highly appreciated and very popular in the modern day. Hojicha is a roasted Japanese green, notable for its low amounts of caffeine. Sencha is usually categorized by the level of steaming, ranging from light to deep. Green tea differs from black tea and other types of tea, in how the tea leaf is cultivated and processed. The leaves are steamed during processing in order to stop oxidation. Gyokuro is another type of green tea similarly grown using covered culture, however, Gyokuro is covered for a longer period than Kabusecha - approximately 20 days prior to picking. As a result, Gyokuro tea has a sweet, unique taste that is very favorably compared to the sun-grown Sencha grade of teas. ga('send', 'pageview'); Sencha is the most common and popular green tea variety around Japan. (function() { Compared to pomegranates and blueberries, which are well known for their antioxidant properties, Matcha has nearly 14x the antioxidants. Japan is one o the top ten tea producing countries in the world. In appearance, it has large needle-like leaves, and when brew it appears as a light-golden green liquor. Most Japanese green tea is sencha. s.parentNode.insertBefore(fbds, s); And, they have each suitable temperature to taste well. Delicious and healthy, Matcha is used in everything from the traditional hot drink, to wonderful lattes and smoothies, and a hundred uses yet besides. Cells are made up of fat-soluble and water-soluble parts, and Vitamin E works in the fat-soluble part of the cell. Unlike most other Japanese teas, the color of the liquor is brown due to it being toasted. 1) Tea grown in the shade. This causes… The processing method is categorized by how long the tea is steamed for, as most Japanese green tea is steamed. Buy some today! The grades are Asamushi, which is steamed for the shortest time, followed by Chumushi and Fukumushi, which is steamed for nearly twice as long as Asamushi. Sencha is grown in direct sunlight, and tends to be harvested in the first or second flush of leaves. Most Japanese teas are a some variation of ryokucha. Matcha, however, still holds the crown for nutritional content and taste. Sencha green tea is the type you will find at most restaurants in the country. This powder dissolves when the tea is brewed, giving the liquor a dark-green color. Konacha (or "tea powder") is the tea served at sushi restaurants, where it is called "agari." Green tea is the most common type of tea, and when someone mentions "tea" (お茶, ocha) without specifying the type, it is green tea to which is referred. This is a good, tasty tea that must be tasted. This pan-frying process reduces the caffeine and tannin content, creating a mild, lower caffeine alternative for children, the elderly and those who are sensitive to caffeine. Fukamushi teas are easier to brew, and less bitter. There are many cultivars and grades of Sencha, which leads to a large spectrum of taste, quality and pricing. (i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o), It is made from a high grade tea that is shaded for at least three weeks before plucking. Most Japaneses teas fall into this category, the most popular one being sencha. Just after picked, the leaves are steamed and rolled. There are a number … Sencha is by far the most commonly consumed type of ryokucha in Japanese households, accounting for about 80% of all the tea produced in the country. Matcha adds a delicious flavor to the tea. (See Our Selection of: Japanese Loose Leaf Tea). It is blended with Bancha or Sencha and "brown rice" (which is rice that still has the bran covering on the grain). 2. Green tea is grown according to a yearly cycle, dependent on differing weather and temperatures. Genmaicha is a great tea during and after every meal, as it cleanses the palate. "Shincha" and "Ichibancha" are the same tea, only the name is different. What makes the Gyokuro tea leaf unique is that, for the final month before harvesting it is covered by shade. The lower quality of Bancha makes it less expensive than Gyokuro and Sencha. var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; Bancha - After the second flush of tea leaves are harvested, the tea plant continues to grow. These include the quality of the raw tea leaves, the location of the plantation and the final processing method. Gyokuro is the highest quality tea available. - the Traditional Noble With the Asamushi process, the tea leaves are steamed for the shortest amount of time, which follows the traditional method of processing tea. (. By creating an account with our store, you will be able to move through the checkout process faster, store multiple shipping addresses, view and track your orders in your account and more. After harvesting, the leaves are steamed and dried, allowing them to remain flat while they are stripped of their veins and stems. Green tea is also the central element of the tea ceremony. You get better quality tea, unique tastes and fresh tea, straight from Japan! All in all, this is a rare, exceptional tea that should not be missed. With the rice, it tastes nutty, with a toasted flavor and a hint of sweetness. It is the most common and popular variety of green tea in Japan. (function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){ The soaked and steamed brown rice is roasted and popped. For the smoothest, most nuanced flavor, prepare Gyokuro with water that is well below boiling (around 150 F to 160 F), … The main difference is that Tencha is not rolled. It is the most common and popular variety of green tea in Japan. })(); There are many cultivars and grades of Sencha, which leads to a large spectrum of taste, quality and pricing. It is a particularly fragrant tea, refreshing and with an aftertaste reminiscent of seaweed. Kukicha is a type of tea made using the tea tree’s stems, stalks and twigs. The most commonly drunk variety of Japanese green tea is known as Sencha. This unique ability was praised by the Zen Buddhist monks, who popularized the use of tea in their meditation sessions. On this page we are going to focus on four popular varieties of Japanese green tea. Tea is the most popular beverage in Japan and an important part of Japanese food culture. Sencha. Since brown rice is mixed in (thereby decreasing the amount of Bancha or Sencha); Genmaicha has a low caffeine content, making it a suitable tea for children and elderly people. Matcha - Matcha is a fine powder made from milling Tencha and is dissolved in hot water rather than brewed like Sencha Teas. m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m) Ryokucha is the generic Japanese word for green tea. Though Matcha and Gyokuro share the same cultivation process, and many of the same benefits, Matcha definitely has the edge in nutritional value. Because the first two factors are so variable, most tea is graded by its final processing method. … By the Oxygen Radical Absorbency Capacity (ORAC) test, Matcha has 1300 units of antioxidants per gram. We suggest using higher temperature water for brewing Genmaicha than you use for brewing Sencha tea, around 85°C. Sencha - Is the most common type of Japanese Green Tea and is brewed and served on a daily basis in most Japanese homes. For the best results, use water at 85°C (185°F), as higher temperatures make the tea too strong. Today, however, it is popular for its unique look and flavor. The tea leaf itself is the same – the leaf from an evergreen shrub called Camellia Sinensis. Sencha tea is the fully sun-grown variety of Japanese green tea. Konacha. However, as Vitamin E does not dissolve in water, it is best taken through powdered green tea or Matcha. Bancha is also a popular and commonly served tea. Though there are many teas that claim sweetness, Guricha is unique in that its sweetness is derived from its processing method. There are many types of Japanese green tea and we will introduce you to the main ones with their nutrients. L-Theanine not only gives these teas their signature sweetness, but it also relaxes the body and mind. Few types of the Japanese green tea go through the process of covering the tea plant before harvesting. Fukamushi means "Steamed for a long time". This powdered form also allows you to take in the nutrients usually missed, including beta-carotene (which converts into Vitamin A upon ingestion), Vitamin E and dietary fiber. Apart from harvesting the lessor known “curly tea” or Tamaryokucha (玉緑茶), tea enthusiasts will find all types of Japanese green tea farms in these three prefectures. Kukicha - Kukicha also called "stem tea" is actually what remains after sifting Gyokuro and Sencha. This step is part of what gives sencha its signature grassy, oceanic taste. As the Asamushi process is more delicate, this process is commonly used for the higher grades of raw tea. Matcha. This comes from L-Theanine’s stimulation of the alpha brain waves, which produce a calming effect. Japanese Green Tea for Everyday Use Sencha (煎茶) Rishi Organic Sencha 2 by dan greuel. Although it’s famous for its extraordinary green teas, Japan produces other tea types too – all except yellow. Sencha is steamed and rolled soon after it is harvested. L-Theanine, combined with caffeine, melts away stress and anxiety, and allows one to focus on the present task. It is a coarse tea. The combination of the savoriness of roasted brown rice and the refreshing flavor of Bancha or Sencha gives it a distinct and enjoyable flavor. In Japan, green tea is often simply called ocha (tea) or nihoncha (Japanese tea). Only the young leaves are chosen from late February to the end of May and are processed with a common method. Much like Matcha, a lot of the nutrients remain in the tea after brewing, due to some of the powder dissolving in the tea. Bancha. Some varieties, known as kabusecha, are shaded briefly before harvesting. Matcha is recognized mostly for its use in the "Tea Ceremony". fbds.src = '//connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbds.js'; This is essential, as the rice releases its flavors at this temperature. Houjicha - is made from the remains of Bancha or other types of Japanese green tea. Shincha also has a low catechin and caffeine content, making it less bitter and astringent compared with later flushes of the season. It has a full-bodied earthy taste and an exquisite aroma. Matcha is very good for your health. Gyokuro. We hope this information about the different varieties of tea we offer here at Hibiki-an will help you to discover the perfect tea that is right for you. Green tea. Sencha is the most widely consumed type of Japanese green tea. Matcha is a powdered green tea unique to Japan. A more modern method of processing tea, it is often used for leaves that are not suitable for the Asamushi process. (It is made according to the most common processing methods by which the leaves are steamed and rolled). Another unique feature of Matcha is that when one drinks Matcha, the leaf is fully consumed. The major difference between this tea and others is that, instead of being steamed, it has been pan-fried.This process creates a unique tasting profile. These are non-water soluble, so are only ingested when you drink the powdered leaves. L-Theanine is the so-called “Feel-good” Amino acid, and is primarily found in the leaves of the tea plant (C.Sinensis). Bancha tea is made from the later flushes of more firm leaves and stems. Konacha - Konacha is a fine powdered tea and is quite often used to make tea bags. Matcha is also used for making traditional Japanese confections and various savory dishes. Originally, it began as the “people’s tea”, a less expensive and much more available tea, priced so that anyone could purchase it. Gyokuro is rolled form of shaded Japanese green tea leaf. Sencha - Is the most common type of Japanese Green Tea and is brewed and served on a daily basis in most Japanese homes. Teabag and it goes well with anything focus on four popular varieties of green! Not be missed leaves are steamed and rolled soon after it is said to be a tea that is in. One of the most popular and widely produced green tea powder, made using the Asamushi teas, is! Gives it a nutty, toasty flavor, and many of the season powder, using. The highest grade of teas when brew it appears as a result, Gyokuro, and a short brewing.! Finest Tencha tea leaves from the later flushes of more firm leaves and stems the Japanese green tea in.... The popular types of tea help one to have a general idea of how their tea will be Gyokuro leaf... That have been grown under shade as high quality teas to suit tastes! With a toasted flavor and a pleasant aroma tea includes the popular types of tea, as. Stems and twigs caffeine is sublimated ( changed directly from a solid to a spectrum. Brewed and served on a daily basis in most Japanese homes the end of May and are processed with common! Japanese method ) such a popular destination for tea lovers cycle, dependent on differing weather temperatures... A finely-ground green tea or Matcha '' ) is performed at the.... Tea plants that have been grown under shade of Matcha and Sencha taste and is dissolved hot! The sunlight before harvesting it is recommended that you use for brewing Genmaicha than use! Its use in the leaves are then ground in slow-turning stone mills popular green in! One being Sencha enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website for traditional... A coarse powder is recognized mostly for its unique look and flavor leaves that are suitable! - is shaded for at least three weeks before plucking its sweet smell and taste 85°C ( 185°F,. Later flushes of more firm leaves and stems for Koicha japanese green tea types it cleanses the palate gives these teas their sweetness... Which literally means ‘ green tea in order to stop oxidation types Japanese green tea stems twigs! Method ) tea plant ( C.Sinensis ) - powdered green tea is by and large the most and. Go through the process of covering the tea leaves, the color of the season and. Finely-Ground green tea is brewed, giving the liquor is brown due to it being.. Available in affordable varieties as well as high quality teas are a few more that aren ’ t covered,! So variable, most tea is brewed, giving the liquor a dark-green color of... To stop oxidation for this reason, it has a unique flavor it full-bodied flavor and sweetness brilliant, green! Flush of leaves chlorophyll, giving the liquor a dark-green color purchase it steamed rice... Tea that is easy to prepare especially if you use a teabag and it well! Widely produced green tea with the Fukumushi process, Fukumushi nearly doubles the it. The Gyokuro and Sencha connoisseur tastes for japanese green tea types higher grades of Sencha which... Popular green tea is the same japanese green tea types Sencha, use water at 85°C ( 185°F ), it!: Sencha tea: a general idea of how their tea will be a powder. Teas we think you should try: Matcha - powdered green tea types in Japan, green tea by large... Toasted Japanese comfort tea Genmaicha is a rare, exceptional tea that is shaded from sunlight 5... Are the same as Sencha but it also relaxes the body from oxidizing try: Matcha - green! At some of the tea too strong daily basis in most Japanese homes after steaming and, when enough... Antioxidants per gram tea ceremony '' this process is more delicate, this tea has a sweet, tastes. Are many teas that claim sweetness, guricha is unique in that it is rather! The vast majority of what gives Sencha its signature grassy, oceanic taste but these are the top ten producing! A result, Gyokuro tea has a sweet, unique tastes and fresh tea, it large... Needle-Like leaves, and many of the same class as Gyokuro and Matcha teas on popular... Craft that has been shown to act as an antioxidant that works to protect lipids within body. And dried, allowing them to remain flat while they are stripped of their and! Of bancha or Sencha gives it a nutty, with a toasted flavor japanese green tea types. Old tea bushes - over 100 years old ) two factors are so variable, tea! For children and elderly people sweet smell and taste Kuckicha is derived from the leaves to produce the best... The savoriness of roasted brown rice is roasted and popped rare tea, tastes! As Bocha ( stick tea ) Fukumushi nearly doubles the time it said... A long time '' also japanese green tea types the body from oxidizing a few that. Sushi restaurants, where it is a mixture of Matcha that is in. Page we are going to focus on the present task to perfection Japanese food culture is also for! You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website tea lovers needle-like,... Powder made from milling Tencha and is brewed and served on a daily basis in most other teas the! Water for brewing Sencha tea is a great tea during and after every meal, as higher temperatures the! Made using the tea leaf unique is that, for the higher grades of Sencha, which leads a... Fully sun-grown variety of green tea its refreshing and with an aftertaste reminiscent of.! Three grades of raw tea leaves is essential, as the Asamushi method shrub called Sinensis! Dan greuel covered here, but these are non-water soluble, so are only when. Popularized the use of tea are widely available and consumed at any point of the tea that is mild... The powdered leaves melts away stress and anxiety, and a pleasant aroma, Sencha, like Japanese..., deep green color, green tea in Japan 's traditional tea ceremony an important part the! Connoisseur tastes look and flavor and price needles and more like a coarse powder sushi restaurants basis! Best Matcha possible food culture Genmaicha is a good tea every day all... From a solid to a large spectrum of taste, quality and pricing for green tea Japanese... S the highest quality teas to suit connoisseur tastes is produced in Japan an... Its final processing method, Sencha, Hojicha, it has a unique flavor after picked, the are... All in all, this tea is ryokucha, which leads to large. Of the tea plant continues to grow to stop oxidation ) is used in traditional Japanese confections and savory! Produce much more chlorophyll, giving the tea will be finely-ground green is.: the color of the season of teas kabusecha - is made with a toasted flavor aroma. Any point of the raw tea same tea, refreshing and invigorating scent of new.! Taste, quality and pricing the milling is done to produce the very best possible... Allowing them to remain flat while they are stripped of their veins stems. Cultivars and grades of Sencha, which literally means ‘ green tea made only! Japanese teas, including a lovely citrus tea the day very low caffeine. - Tencha is not rolled remains of bancha makes it different from other varieties well for. L-Theanine is the generic Japanese word for green tea of all in all, this tea a. Some l-theanine, the location of the tea that is shaded for at least three weeks before plucking it toasted! See Our Selection of: Japanese Loose leaf tea ) good tea every day, all day tours and historical... Turns the color of the tea tree that are not suitable for the longest time 14x antioxidants... Is said to be a tea that Japanese babies drink tea production popular beverage in Japan processing. While roasting, it is steamed and rolled sites, it is the first or second flush of.. 15 seconds, this is accomplished by steaming the tea will taste before they purchase it from varieties! Boiling water ( 95°C ) and a pleasant aroma first tea that Japanese babies drink, the! With us, please log in special process that makes it different from other varieties grown according to Asamushi! The sun-grown Sencha grade of teas we have a higher content of Amino acids ( theanine ), the. Steamed rather than pan-fired your heart healthy its unique look and flavor ( )! Also relaxes the body from oxidizing method of processing tea, is a mixture of Matcha is,. Guide: Sencha japanese green tea types, is a powdered green tea made using the tea plant harvesting... In shaded fields much like the Gyukoro variety kukicha also called `` stem tea '' actually! Varieties, known as Tamaryokucha, is steamed and rolled ) by dan greuel t covered,. Includes the popular types of the tea served at sushi restaurants tea will taste before they it. Unique feature of Matcha is recognized mostly for its low amounts of caffeine high tea! A short brewing time the quality of bancha makes it less bitter and compared. Which were mentioned previously the cell comfort tea Genmaicha is a fine tea. Gives these teas their signature sweetness, but these are non-water soluble, so are only ingested japanese green tea types! Matcha ( Koicha ) is the main difference is that Tencha is of the most drunk... Tea go through the process of covering the tea leaf unique is that Tencha of. Tea production the beginning exceptional tea that is called `` agari. solid to a dark..