Sencha, Tencha and Matcha - What are the differences?

The Differences Between Sencha, Tencha and Matcha: A Guide for Green Tea Lovers

Green tea has grown in popularity around the world in recent years, not only for its delicate flavor but also for its wide range of health benefits. However, in the world of green tea, there are many different varieties, each with their own characteristics and traditions. In this blog post, we take a closer look at three of the most popular green teas: Sencha, Tencha and Matcha. We explain their differences and show how each tea can fit into your life and wellness routine.

Sencha: The everyday green tea

Sencha is the most commonly consumed type of green tea in Japan, where it is often referred to as an "everyday tea." It is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which are steamed, rolled and dried after harvest. This process gives the leaves their characteristic needle-like shape and provides the refreshing flavor that makes Sencha so popular.

The taste of Sencha can vary depending on the growing region and processing method, but usually ranges from slightly sweet to slightly bitter, with a hint of umami. The tea is typically brewed in hot water between 60 and 80 degrees Celsius to bring out its delicate flavors.

Health benefits: Sencha is rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins, which help fight free radicals in the body. It also contains vitamin C, which boosts the immune system, and L-theanine, which has a calming effect. This tea is an excellent choice for daily enjoyment while promoting mindfulness and relaxation.

Tencha: The forerunner of Matcha

Tencha is a lesser-known but very important type of green tea, as it forms the basis for the production of matcha. The production of tencha is closely related to that of matcha, but begins with a special cultivation method in which the tea plants are shaded for about three to four weeks before harvest. This shading increases the chlorophyll content in the leaves, providing a deep green color and higher levels of amino acids, especially L-theanine.

After harvesting, the leaves are steamed, dried and stripped of their stems and veins, but unlike sencha, they are not rolled. This results in a loose, flat leaf material called tencha.

Uses: Tencha is rarely consumed as a standalone tea. Instead, it is ground into a fine powder to produce matcha. Nevertheless, tencha is valued for its high nutritional content and smooth, sweet flavor.

Matcha: The green gold

Matcha is arguably the most well-known green tea outside of Japan and has gained popularity worldwide in recent years, particularly in the wellness and mindfulness community. Matcha is made from tencha, which is ground into a fine, bright green powder. This green tea powder is then either stirred directly into hot water or incorporated into various recipes, such as the popular matcha latte.

The taste: Matcha has an intense, creamy taste with a sweet and tart note, which is enhanced by the high concentration of L-theanine and catechins. Unlike Sencha, when you drink Matcha you drink the whole leaf in powder form, which makes it particularly rich in nutrients.

Health benefits: Matcha is a true superfood. It is rich in antioxidants that protect the body from free radical damage. Thanks to its high L-theanine content, matcha also promotes relaxation and mental clarity, without the jitters often associated with other caffeinated drinks. This makes it an ideal companion in a mindfulness and wellness routine.

Matcha in practice: Whether as a traditional tea in the matcha ceremony, as an ingredient in smoothies, or as a creamy matcha latte - matcha is versatile and a delight for all the senses. At Yama Matcha, we attach great importance to the quality of our matcha powder to ensure that you only get the best for your health and well-being.

Choosing the right tea for you

Which green tea is right for you? The answer depends on what you are looking for. If you are looking for a refreshing tea for everyday enjoyment, Sencha is an excellent choice. For those who are interested in the art of matcha preparation and are looking for a particularly nutrient-rich tea, Matcha is the perfect choice. Tencha, on the other hand, is less of a tea for direct consumption, but an important ingredient in the production of matcha that you can enjoy indirectly.

Variety in green tea enjoyment

Each of these green teas has its own unique characteristics and benefits. While Sencha is valued as a no-fuss everyday tea, Tencha is at the heart of Matcha production, and Matcha itself represents a combination of enjoyment, mindfulness and wellness. At Yama Matcha, we believe that choosing the right tea can enrich your daily ritual and promote your health. No matter which green tea you choose, you can be sure that you are experiencing a piece of Japanese tea culture and tradition with every cup.