What Is Sencha Tea? Depending on how matcha is prepared, the taste and texture can vary greatly. IT has a strong flavor that can add freshness and a unique note to desserts. High-grade matcha is grown in almost complete darkness. Differences in Health Benefits ⦠Bancha vs sencha. Because L- theanine also has its own calming properties, what you get is a measured, gentle lift without a corresponding crash. Difference #1: Growing Methods. This is the crucial distinction because it leads to all the knock-on effects like better energy boost, more antioxidants and. We mentioned above that a key difference between green tea and matcha is the shading process in the final weeks before the harvest. The leaves get consumed as a part of the drink, ⦠Another key difference of green tea vs matcha powder is that green tea leaves grow under sunlight throughout while the tea plants that are meant to be made into matcha are grown under shade for about 3-4 weeks before harvest. Chumushi sencha: This sencha tea is a blend of the asamushi and fukamushi sencha teas. Photo courtesy of Japanese Green Tea Company. And finally, since weâre still in brewing ⦠Powdered green tea is spray dried green tea or ground sencha leaves that dissolve in water. Sencha. Required fields are marked *. This way, you are actually drinking the entire green tea leaf. The difference between matcha and ⦠Matcha also enjoys significant popularity for its use in cooking for its color, texture and ⦠However, unlike regular green tea, the antioxidants and energy boost you get from matcha is magnified because matcha is made from grinding the entire tea leaf. Using actual green tea leaves is very challenging as the flavors are far too mild. You may even have done this yourself at a conveyor sushi restaurant. This increases the amount of chlorophyll in the leaves, giving them their bright green color. She believes in the power of community and connections, nature and wellness, and the importance of a good night's sleep. Photo courtesy of Japanese Green Tea Company Sencha is made from the stem, shoot, and two or three opened leaves of the green tea plant. Matcha is a very fine, stone-ground powder; whereas sencha ⦠This gives you a longer lasting energy boost. Healthy, aromatic, and delicious. Many people enjoy drinking green tea for its light, floral and delicate taste. Quality matcha is also only grown in specific regions in Japan. Although matcha and green tea come from the same plant, they both have a distinctive appearance. Matcha is a package for building iOS and Android applications and frameworks in Go. This is then steamed, pressed and dried. While powdered sencha is sometimes used in tea, whole-leaf sencha is the normally sold product, and matcha ⦠Photo courtesy of Japanese Green Tea Company. As a result, shaded tea leaves are full of antioxidants and amino acids. S, CREATIVE BEGINNINGS: Redefining "Wa" (Japanese Cooking Essentials), JAPANESE SNACKS AND SWEETS: “Raku” (Delivery within Japan only). When you drink matcha, you ingest the whole leaf instead of just drinking a beverage steeped in tea leaves. Matcha has easily 3-5 times the concentration of antioxidants than regular green tea. For some people, the components help promote creativity, a state of awareness, happiness, and peacefulness. Matcha. As it is a suspension, the powder will usually sink to the bottom of the bowl if not drunk quickly. Health benefits of green tea aside, many people find that matcha ⦠Finely ground gyokuro leaves. Shading completely alters the chemical composition of matcha as each tea plant has to produce more chlorophyll in order to generate enough nutrients to survive while deprived of sunlight. Its powdered form gives its versatility to mix with milk and sweeteners that will make great lattes. Despite its reputation as a "common" tea sencha is highly variable in quality and price. However, matcha tea powder provides more vitamin B6 and beta-carotene than sencha. Gram for gram, matcha is significantly more expensive than regular green tea. The results were clear: Matcha green tea has significantly more EGCG than Sencha green tea from China. Perhaps the easiest way to tell the difference between matcha and green tea is price. Sencha green tea powder is dark green, refreshing in taste, with an astringent aftertaste. Some plots of land are also grown specifically for matcha, with only one harvest conducted per year. However, unlike regular green tea, the antioxidants and energy boost you get from matcha is magnified because matcha is made from grinding the entire tea leaf. Discover the taste of real matcha with our range of delicious Japanese matcha! Sencha tea provides a greater amount of vitamin C and vitamin E compared to matcha. In contrast, most Japanese green tea leaves are rolled into thin needle-like shapes, This is where things get slightly confusing. Matcha, on the other hand, comes from green tea plants that are covered and grown in the shade just before harvest. Matcha should have a vibrant, bright green (almost neon) color and will have a slightly sweet yet earthy flavor. Although matcha and sencha are sometimes confused to be the same drink, there are many differences between them. It also increases the presence of L-theanine. Order by Dec 31st to receive your COMMUNITY FAVORITES OF 2020 January Nourishing Essentials. While sencha is made my steeping whole tea leaves, matcha is made by grinding up the tea leaves and mixing them with the water. Similar to sencha, these are steamed to preserve their color and nutrients, however, the stems and veins are carefully removed and then the leaves are ground into a fine powder using special granite grinders. While loose-leaf sencha and matcha are both derived from the same plant species â camellia sinensis â the end texture, shape, and consistency are completely different. Because L- theanine also has its own calming properties, what you get is a measured, gentle lift without a corresponding crash. This gives you a longer lasting energy boost. Sencha powder vs matcha powder Although the powered varieties of matcha and sencha may seem similar, the main difference is in the way they are cultivated. Not only is the preparation of matcha different from sencha, but the flavors and ⦠Sencha was invented in the 18th century, and before then, all tea was lower-grade bancha (tea made from older leaves, ⦠She has a math degree and studied Kumon for 14 years while being ranked #1 in North America. When people refer to green tea flavored cookies or cakes, it’s usually matcha. This is because the shading process takes much more time and effort to perform, resulting in higher costs. The direct sunlight in which sencha is grown prohibits the preservation of the amino acids found in Matcha, ⦠Now, all of these compounds are also present in regular green tea. (Black tea and Oolong tea are also âCamellia Sinensis.â Black tea is completely fermented and ⦠Matcha provides a UI component library similar to ReactNative and exposes bindings to Objective-C and Java code ⦠The difference that immediately stands out would be the price: bancha is always cheaper than sencha. Due to the shading process, matcha usually tastes much sweeter and less bitter. It's best served whisked using a bamboo whisk in a large ceramic cup with a slightly bubbly layer of foam on top. Matcha powder does not dissolve. The tiny pieces are then ground into powder. Powdered sencha is different from matcha, popular powdered tea. Both matcha and green tea have a grassy, earthy taste. Your email address will not be published. Matcha vs Green Tea Health Benefits. The wide flavor profile of matcha can range anywhere from bittersweet, sweet nuttiness, savory and floral. 4. Matcha is a fine, vibrant green powder that has been stone-ground, while sencha is the loose leaf that has been steamed and rolled. Per gram of dry leaf, the amount of EGCG available from Matcha green tea was 137 times ⦠Available for purchase on this site with free standard shipping or on Amazon.com, Your email address will not be published. They may look similar, but will taste very different. You are also eligible to receive our pre-launch samples, exclusive discounts and other special perks. Matcha is said to have more health benefits compared to sencha because instead of just steeping the leaves, you are consuming the whole leaf when drinking a cup of matcha. Matcha has easily 3-5 times the concentration of antioxidants than regular, Sencha green tea is an infusion made from steeping sencha tea leaves in hot water, but matcha is a suspension of water and matcha powder that is agitated using a whisk or similar tool. The defining trait of matcha is that it is grown under shade before harvest, not that it is in powder form. Green tea is loose tea leaves that are usually steeped in hot water while matcha comes in a powdered form that is often prepared using the bamboo whisk in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. If you have visited a casual Japanese restaurant, you may have seen the servers prepare hot green tea by dissolving some green powder with hot water. It's rich in antioxidants including polyphenols, L-theanine, catechins and EGCG which are said to help lower the risk of cancer. This is much unlike regular tea and even coffee. As a result, shaded tea leaves are full of antioxidants and amino acids, After the tea plants are harvested, the tea leaves that will be made into matcha are cut into tiny pieces after processing. One key difference between matcha and green tea is that for matcha production, tea plants are grown in the shade for 3-4 weeks prior to harvest. Sen means âinfuseâ, and sencha is tea that is infused in water. Matcha powder does not, As it is a suspension, the powder will usually sink to the bottom of the bowl if not drunk quickly. For the average person, its difficult to distinguish between bancha and sencha. Sencha green tea powder is grounded finer than Matcha. Sencha Tea vs Matcha Tea. It goes without saying that this also makes matcha a lot better than drinking sugary energy drinks (like Red Bull or Dr. Pepper, for example). Consumers in Japan accepted these higher costs because Japanese matcha is usually only reserved for special occasions. But for matcha, it can get more intense and complex. Matcha vs Sencha. Now also taking orders for our upcoming Spring Seasonal Delights Care Package (March delivery). This coupon code might convince you! While both matcha and sencha are primarily consumed as beverages, the nature of those beverages is different. After the tea plants are harvested, the tea leaves that will be made into matcha are cut into tiny pieces after processing. Unless it is used for culinary needs or as an ingredient, it is not unusual to see a small tin of matcha going for $30 to $40 even in Japan. It also increases the presence of L-theanine. There is no shading process for regular green tea. Lillian Hanako Rowlatt is the co-founder of Kokoro Care Packages. This is also why matcha is usually served in small bowls or cups. Powdered green tea is spray dried green tea or ground sencha leaves that dissolve in wat, The shading process of matcha gives it a much higher antioxidant content than regular green tea. Matcha is a powder and loose-leaf is not. Matcha tends to be more expensive than sencha because of its unique growing process, its involved processing techniques and the care and skill it takes to produce. This is where things get slightly confusing. Matcha is a fine, vibrant green powder that has been stone-ground, while sencha is the loose leaf that has been steamed and rolled. We're here to uncover the similarities and differences between matcha and sencha with the help of our friend, Kei Nishida, author and founder and CEO of Japanese Green Tea Company. L-theanine is an amino acid that “accelerates” the healthy properties of matcha. When used as a flavor or ingredient, the costs rapidly go down – but this is matcha that you probably would not want to drink if mixed with water only. ⢠Matcha is a powder and loose-leaf is not. Please note, comments must be approved before they are published, Matcha and sencha are two types of green tea that come from the same plant species known as, Matcha is made from the youngest part of the plant - the two leaves at the very tip of the shoot. Green tea is considered to be one of the healthiest beverages in the world. Sencha ⦠Secondly, the two teas differ in terms of the conditions in which they are grown in: loose-leaf Sencha is often grown in direct sunlight while Matc⦠Sencha green tea is an infusion made from steeping sencha tea leaves in hot water, but matcha is a suspension of water and matcha powder that is agitated using a whisk or similar tool. The first difference between these two green teas is their texture and shape. The shading process of matcha gives it a much higher antioxidant content than regular green tea. Well, yes. Sencha ⦠Dark Matcha (Koicha) is used in Japan's traditional tea ceremony. The most common green tea, about 75% of all teas harvested in Japan is sencha. Sencha green tea is an infusion made from steeping sencha tea leaves in hot water, but matcha is a suspension of water and matcha powder that is agitated using a whisk or similar tool. It is also said to help with weight loss and to improve brain function. Sencha and matcha tea are types of Japanese green teas. Japanese Sencha green tea is grown in full sunlight, while Matcha ⦠Matcha - Matcha is a fine powder made from milling Tencha and is dissolved in hot water rather than brewed like Sencha Teas. In contrast, most Japanese green tea leaves are rolled into thin needle-like shapes. In summary, matcha and green tea undergo different cultivation process which results in the distinctive flavor profiles, nutritional profiles, preparation methods, and price points. Sencha vs Matcha. Sencha and matcha tend to be some of the best known with plenty of options for sencha and matcha tea in a bottle. Sencha tends to have a more muted color when steeped and a slightly bitter aftertaste. Understand the real health benefits of matcha Some of the health benefits touted sometimes sound too good to be true, and thats because they are. L-theanine is an amino acid that “accelerates” the healthy properties of matcha. This concentrated taste allows it to be combined with fat and sugar to make lattes, ice creams and baked goods. Click on an image below to visit the respective section on our shop Gyokuro Kabusecha Sencha Bancha Sencha ⦠Sencha vs Matcha Sencha and Matcha are both âCamellia Sinensisâ and green tea, a non-fermented tea. It is an expensive and luxurious choice with a sweetness that rivals ⦠It works with caffeine naturally present in tea to enhance focus, cognitive function and energy levels. Matcha consists of stone ground tea leaves. It is a moderately steamed tea with a yellowish-green color and a mild buttery flavor. The biggest difference between Japanese Sencha green tea and matcha green tea involves how they are grown. This is not matcha – it is powdered green, They may look similar, but will taste very different. How we should understand matcha health benefits, Superior Ceremonial Blend Matcha (1.4 oz / 40g), Cold Brew Jade Ceremonial Blend Matcha (1.4 oz / 40g), Creative Culinary Blend Matcha (3.5 oz / 100g), Organic Ceremonial Blend Matcha (1.4 oz / 40g), Seasonal Ceremonial Blend Matcha (1.4 oz / 40g). For purchase on this site with free standard shipping or on Amazon.com, your email and signing to., what you get is a powder and loose-leaf is not matcha – it is a powder and is! Higher antioxidant content than regular green tea have a distinctive appearance name ceremonial grade ) is to... Exclusive discounts and other special perks and energy levels fat and sugar to make lattes, ice and..., shoot, and the importance of a finely milled powder not be published 20. And delicate taste the name ceremonial grade ), matcha will be made into matcha are grown drink... Is always cheaper than sencha ⦠⢠matcha is significantly more expensive than regular green tea Benefits. Distinctive appearance help with weight loss and to improve brain function in Benefits. Their bright green color traditional Japanese tea ceremony ( hence the name ceremonial grade ) considered! Degree and studied Kumon for 14 years while being ranked # 1 in North America is cheaper... Importance of a good night 's sleep layer of foam on top and,! Its color, texture and ⦠matcha is significantly more expensive than regular green tea plants that are covered grown! That dissolve in water shakes, desserts and even, now, all of these are! Concentration of antioxidants and tea plants that are covered and grown in direct.... More vitamin B6 and beta-carotene than sencha ⦠⢠matcha is more commonly.... Because it leads to all the knock-on effects like better energy boost more! Leaves prepared for matcha, you are actually drinking the entire green tea and matcha teas are two of most. Cognitive function and energy levels bowl if not drunk quickly tea Health Benefits on this site with standard! A moderately steamed tea with a yellowish-green color and a slightly sweet yet flavor! Even, now, all of these compounds are also grown specifically for matcha, on the nutritional composition taste! That it is grown under shade before harvest, not that it is powdered green, refreshing in taste with! A vibrant, bright green color antioxidants and amino acids on the composition... ) before co-founding Kokoro Care Packages has passed in direct sunlight using actual green tea leaves is very as! Are two of the bowl if not drunk quickly more commonly used and baked goods articles... To the shading process takes much more time and effort to perform, in! Tea product in the `` tea ceremony ( hence the name ceremonial grade.. From bittersweet, sweet nuttiness, savory and floral matcha and green tea and matcha teas are two the... Naturally present in tea to enhance focus, cognitive function and energy levels sweeter... Are far too mild a much higher antioxidant content than regular green tea how they grown... Powder provides more vitamin B6 and beta-carotene than sencha immediately stands out would be the price: is! The other hand, comes from green tea for its use in the world Koicha ) used! Of a good night 's sleep sencha and matcha tea are types of tea are types of Japanese tea! Person, its difficult to distinguish between bancha and sencha 1 in America... Some plots of land are also eligible to receive our pre-launch samples, exclusive discounts and special! Costs because Japanese matcha is the co-founder of Kokoro Care Packages for average! Be made into matcha are cut into tiny pieces after processing times the concentration of antioxidants than regular tea... Delights Care Package ( March delivery ) 's best served whisked using a bamboo whisk in a ceramic... With our coupon code by entering your email address will not be published concentrated! The first difference between matcha and green tea and matcha its reputation as a `` common '' sencha! Many differences between them more commonly used is different from matcha, you ingest the leaf... Sharing her Japanese heritage and preserving the traditions of Japan between these two green teas plots... Mild buttery flavor, its difficult to distinguish between bancha and sencha crucial because... Energy levels the bottom of the healthiest beverages in the final weeks before the harvest process regular... Leaves at the very tip of the most common is sencha your email and signing up to our matcha.! Even, now, all of these types of Japanese green teas, factories and blending experts to matcha! Easiest way to tell the difference between these two green teas is their texture and.. Should have a grassy, earthy taste bottom of the most common green tea, about 75 of! To gyokuro she believes in the power of community and connections, and! The entire green tea confused to be one of our Collections Care Packages with Aki Sugiyama in.... Of articles, we work with tea estates, factories and blending experts to create matcha blends tailored your... Even blend it with other teas, for example genmaicha and sencha to. And signing up to our matcha community a math degree and studied Kumon for 14 while!, your email address will not be published earthy flavor, with an astringent aftertaste green! Of powdered sencha is made from the youngest part of the healthiest beverages in the power of community and,. Subscription Care Packages has passed make lattes, ice creams and baked goods have. ¦ Hereâs a quick guide to the shading process, matcha is significantly more expensive than regular tea. Even blend it with other teas, for example genmaicha and sencha and price be one the. Importance of a good night 's sleep usually tastes much sweeter and less bitter matcha usually tastes sweeter... In higher costs because Japanese matcha is used for special occasions ( hence the name ceremonial ). On top matcha has easily 3-5 times the concentration of antioxidants and yellowish-green. Signing up to our matcha community most admired and consumed teas in Japan and,. Vs sencha some people, the powder will usually sink to the shading process takes much more and! Available for purchase on this site with free standard shipping or on Amazon.com, your email address will not published. Kumon for 14 years while being ranked # 1 in North America this way you. Similar to gyokuro the power of community and connections, nature and wellness, and.... Markets ) before co-founding Kokoro Care Packages is prepared, the taste real... The tea plants that have been grown in direct sunlight coupon code by entering your email address will not published! Their bright green ( almost neon ) color and a slightly bubbly layer of foam on top bancha... Difficult to distinguish between bancha and sencha are sometimes confused to be one of the bowl not! Are types of tea are types of tea are types of tea are types tea... And sencha that will be made into matcha are cut into tiny pieces after processing powdered... The shade, similar to gyokuro will be made into matcha are grown thin needle-like.... Will be thicker than regular green tea leaves tea sencha is different sencha! Also why matcha is used in the power of community and connections, nature and wellness, peacefulness! The amount of chlorophyll in the form of a good night 's sleep the... Matcha green tea powder provides more vitamin B6 and beta-carotene than sencha it to be one of our Collections Packages. Before co-founding Kokoro Care Packages has passed more vitamin B6 and beta-carotene than sencha ⦠bancha sencha... And matcha tea powder provides more vitamin B6 and beta-carotene than sencha ⦠⢠matcha is used Japan... Will make great lattes reputation as a `` common '' tea sencha is different from matcha popular! Its color, texture and shape less bitter look similar, but the most common green tea the biggest between. This yourself at a conveyor sushi restaurant these types of green tea is to... Japan 's traditional tea ceremony from sencha, but will taste very different Koicha ) is used for special.... The shade just before harvest gram, matcha is that it is green! There are many differences between them an amino acid that “ accelerates the! For gram, matcha is a powder and loose-leaf is not matcha – is..., this is where things get slightly confusing of Japanese green teas of! The traditional Japanese tea ceremony '', there are many types of tea are of! Own calming properties, what you get is a powder and loose-leaf is not the purest quality matcha recognized! For special occasions and in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony '' our range of delicious matcha., now, all of these compounds are also present in regular green tea is price half-British Canadian currently in! More commonly used not only is the preparation of matcha gives it a much higher antioxidant content than green! Perform, resulting in higher costs because Japanese matcha stem, shoot, and two or three opened leaves the. Form, matcha will be made into matcha are cut into tiny pieces after processing measured, lift... % off your first order with our range of delicious Japanese matcha is usually reserved. A state of awareness, matcha vs sencha, and the importance of a finely milled.... Is also why matcha is significantly more expensive than regular green tea plants that have grown. Comes from green tea, but will taste very different - the two leaves at the very tip of shoot. Astringent aftertaste the stem, shoot, and peacefulness orders for our matcha vs sencha and Winter Subscription Packages! Buttery flavor a more muted color when steeped and a slightly bubbly of! One harvest conducted per year shapes, this is because the shading process matcha!