Sencha Tea: A Classic Among Asian Green Teas

A classic among Asian green teas, Sencha naturally finds its place in our tea house. Rediscover it at breakfast or during “tea time” with our authentic selections from China or Japan, available to suit your preferences and consumption habits.

Sencha Tea: The King of Japanese Green Teas

The birth of Sencha tea in Japan is the result of the innovative spirit of an 18th-century tea master named Nagatani Soen. In 1739, he devised a new method of preparing tea leaves by steaming them to halt their oxidation process. The leaves are then rolled, breaking their cells and releasing their properties during infusion.

Thus, the name “Sencha” refers to a unique production method that embodies Japan’s ancient tea culture and ceremony. Today, Sencha production accounts for 70% of Japan’s annual tea production.

Like other green teas, Sencha is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. It is a full-sun tea, requiring natural light throughout its growth to produce characterful brews. Traditional Sencha teas are distinguished by a briny flavor, the intensity of which corresponds to the quality of the tea.

Sencha Tea: The Preferred Choice for Scented Green Teas in China

Although China is the second-largest producer of Sencha in the world, Chinese Sencha is far less popular than its Japanese counterpart. However, it is quite successful in the creation of scented green teas, as it pairs well with a wide range of floral, sweet, or vegetal flavors, serving as the perfect base.

Compared to Japanese Sencha, Chinese Sencha has a khaki color, being richer in chlorophyll. It infuses to a darker green, while Japanese Sencha, with its needle-shaped leaves, produces a lighter, brighter infusion. The leaves of Japanese Sencha are thinner and more delicate than their Chinese counterparts, making them harder to handle and justifying the higher price of Japanese teas.

Slightly sweeter than Japanese Sencha, Chinese Sencha appeals to a wider audience. Enthusiasts will easily recognize the distinct characteristics of these green teas through their appearance, taste, and aroma.

Taste Exceptional Sencha Tea with Betjeman & Barton

Allow yourself to be captivated by the unique quality of Sencha tea in our French tea house’s collection.

Our premium Japanese “Kabuse Uji” green tea is a true delicacy for tea lovers. Embodying the essence of umami, it features a round, smooth aroma with no astringency and an immense delicacy.

Try also our “Sencha Natural Leaf,” a slightly acidic Japanese tea rich in vitamin C, perfect for sipping throughout the day. Its authenticity makes it one of the best-sellers in our extensive tea collection.

For even more originality, try our “Matcha-Sencha Latte,” a green tea with creamy notes that blends the best of China and Japan. It combines Chinese Sencha with the iconic Japanese Matcha, whose vegetal flavors are softened by a touch of milk. This "ready-to-drink" alternative to powdered Matcha promises delightful moments of sweetness, whether hot or iced.