Related article – Be a Japanese tea expert: teas that aren’t green
Can you name the main types of Japanese tea? Matcha is ubiquitous, but actually sencha is the most common green tea that people in Japan enjoy daily.
What is sencha?
Sencha is another type of green tea that is very popular in Japan. It is made from the leaves of the tea plant, which are steamed and then rolled and dried to create a vibrant green color. Sencha has a refreshing, grassy flavor and can be enjoyed hot or cold. In Japan, it’s common for us to buy tea leaves at the supermarket or department store and brew sencha at home. If you visit Japan, you’ll also be sure to spot many people drinking bottled sencha green tea on the go.
What is matcha?
Matcha is a fine, powdery green tea that is traditionally used in the Japanese tea ceremony. It is made by grinding down the leaves of the tea plant into a fine powder, which is then mixed with hot water to create a frothy, bright green beverage. It is also used in a variety of food and drink items, such as ice cream and lattes. Surprisingly, Japanese people don’t often drink matcha as a tea at home. It’s more common for the average person to buy a matcha Haagen Dazs at the convenience store or pick up a matcha latte at Starbucks.
What is genmaicha?
Genmaicha, also known as “popcorn tea,” is a blend of green tea and roasted brown rice. It has a unique flavor that is both nutty and slightly sweet, with a refreshing aroma. The combination of green tea and roasted rice makes for a lower caffeine content than regular green tea. You’ll find that the tea leaves have what look like Rice Krispies mixed into them. Genmaicha is popular but less so than sencha and hojicha. Personally, I’d say it has a similar positioning to Earl Gray tea in the west.
What is gyokuro?
Gyokuro is considered to be a luxury product. It is high-quality green tea that is grown in the shade for the final few weeks before harvest. This process gives the leaves a unique, delicate flavor and a bright green color. Gyokuro is typically brewed using a lower water temperature and a longer steeping time than other types of green tea, which helps to bring out its complex, sweet flavor. You’d expect to have this at a classy establishment or on a special occasion at home.
Where can I buy Japanese green tea?
If you’re looking to try Japanese green tea, we recommend purchasing it from a specialist Japanese supermarket or store. Non-Japanese manufacturers often don’t produce teas that taste the same as those made in Japan. This is with the exception of matcha lattes, which we believe has been as successfully commoditised as hot chocolate nowadays!