Sencha (Steamed Green Tea)

Bright and Grassy. Sencha is Japan's most popular tea, accounting for about 80% of all tea produced in the country. Its vibrant green color and fresh, vegetal flavor with sweet undertones make it the quintessential Japanese tea experience.

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons sencha tea leaves
• 1.5 cups water (70–80°C / 160–175°F)

Instructions

1. Heat water to 70–80°C (160–175°F). Never use boiling water for sencha.
2. Place sencha leaves in a kyusu (Japanese teapot).
3. Pour the water and steep for 60–90 seconds.
4. Pour evenly between cups, alternating to ensure equal strength.
5. Pour until the last drop — this contains the most umami.

Tips

• First steep is the most delicate; second steep can use slightly hotter water.
• High-quality sencha can be steeped 3 times.