Sencha Green Tea: Types, health benefits of Japan's popular tea

Sencha, Japan's most popular tea, boasts a vibrant, fresh green hue and a distinctive flavour. It accounts for over half of Japan's annual tea production and can be enjoyed either hot or cold. Derived from small-leaf Camellia sinensis plants, Japanese sencha undergoes a steaming process, resulting in its unique character. Many liken its flavour to that of vegetables, greenery, seaweed, or grass, with variations in taste based on the specific type and brewing method. To create sencha green tea, freshly plucked tea leaves are promptly steamed to halt oxidation, preserving the tea's green colour and flavour. Subsequently, the leaves are rolled, shaped, and dried.

2 things you need to know

• Sencha green tea boasts antioxidants that bolster your health.
• Its variety, from standard to gyokuro, offers diverse flavours.

Sencha's Variety and Flavour Profile

Sencha comes in various forms, each with its unique flavour profile and characteristics.

(A close-up of dried Japanese Gyokuro Sencha tea leaves | Image: Shutterstock)

Standard Sencha (Futsu Mushi Sencha)

This is the most common type, known for its balanced flavours. Its fresh aroma and harmonious blend of natural sweetness and bitterness create an earthy overall profile.

Deep Steamed Sencha (Fukamushi-cha)

Steamed longer to reduce astringency, this sencha variety boasts a finer, powdered leaf and a richer, more indulgent cup.

Shade Grown Leaves (Kabuse-cha)

Grown in shade before the spring harvest, this sencha offers a deeper aroma and flavour, with fewer tannins and a fuller taste.

Aged Sencha (Kuradashi-sencha)

This spring variety is aged at high altitudes, resulting in deeper flavour and reduced astringency. It's often ceremonially opened and available seasonally during winter.

Jade Dew Tea (Gyokuro)

One of the most unique and expensive sencha varieties, gyokuro is grown in constant shade to encourage tip growth. It's known for its artistic presentation and is harvested only once a year.

Benefits of Sencha

Sencha green tea offers numerous health benefits, making it a popular choice for those seeking improved well-being.

Antioxidant Power

Sencha is rich in antioxidants that combat free radicals, reducing cellular damage and the risk of diseases, including cancer.

Weight Management

The caffeine in sencha boosts metabolism by eliminating free radicals, providing energy for exercise and aiding in weight loss.

Immune Boost

Sencha's antioxidants and vitamin C support a robust immune system, helping to shorten the duration of cold and flu symptoms.

Heart Health

Regular consumption of sencha can reduce LDL (bad cholesterol), lowering the risk of heart disease, hypertension, and blood sugar irregularities.

Oral Health

Sencha contains fluoride, promoting dental health by preventing cavities and inhibiting the growth of harmful mouth bacteria, reducing bad breath and gingivitis.

Incorporating Sencha green tea into your daily routine not only tantalises your taste buds but also contributes to a healthier and more vibrant life. With its array of varieties and impressive health benefits, sencha is a tea that everyone should consider adding to their lifestyle. So, whether you prefer the standard sencha or the luxurious gyokuro, there's a sencha variety waiting to elevate your tea experience.