Introduction: Shizuoka located in the center of Japan, is an ideal tea growing region with an average annual temperature of 60°F. With the exception of the northern mountainous region, the prefecture has a mild maritime climate and snow is rare on the plains. Teas from the prefecture will vary in taste based upon the season of the year, elevation, and method of steaming the leaves. The Art of Sencha, also referred to as 'The Art of Steeped Tea' was introduced into Japan in the second half of the seventeenth century. Most of the people responsible for this were refugees, monks and intellectuals from China, who fled their country after the fall of the Ming dynasty in 1644. Tea scholars have stated that Sencha, as a tradition of drinking tea, has contributed highly to developing the aesthetic sensibilities of the Japanese, similar to ‘Chanoyu’ or the 'Powdered Tea Ceremony'.
Brewing Suggestions
Steamed green teas have by far the most delicate, sensitive leaf and are some of the most challenging (and rewarding) teas to brew. Because the leaf is small and steeps quickly, low temperature water and short steeping times are needed. We recommend using water at 140 to 160 F and steeping one teaspoon of leaf per 8 ounce cup for 1 ½ to 2 minutes. This method provides 2 to 3 satisfying infusions.
