Brewing Delicious Sencha and Green Tea
The flavor of sencha and green tea is strongly influenced by water temperature and brewing time.
With a little care, the tea leaves’ natural aroma and gentle umami can be brought out more fully, revealing their true character.
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Measuring the Tea Leaves
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As a general guideline, use approximately 5 grams of tea leaves per person.(For deep-steamed teas such as fukamushi sencha), use slightly less, as these teas tend to brew more intensely.)
As a reference, we at WAKA recommend 5 grams per person, or simply multiplying the amount by the number of people when brewing for a group.
When preparing multiple servings, the leaves may be measured together, but care should be taken to maintain a consistent strength in each cup. -
Boil the Water and Let It Cool
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Bring fresh water to a full boil, then pour it into teacups to measure the proper amount and let it cool to approximately 70–80°C (158–176°F) before brewing.
This cooling step, known as yuzamashi, helps draw out the tea’s delicate aroma and balanced umami.The water can be cooled naturally by transferring it to a teapot or a cooling vessel.
Avoid pouring boiling water directly over the tea leaves, as excessive heat can cause bitterness and astringency to overpower the flavor. -
Add the Tea Leaves to the Teapot
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Place the measured tea leaves into the teapot.
As a reference, some long-established Uji tea masters traditionally use about two teaspoons (approximately six grams) of tea leaves per serving.
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Pour and Steep
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Pour the cooled water into the teapot, replace the lid, and allow the tea to steep.
A brewing time of about 60–90 seconds is a good guideline, adjusted as needed depending on the type of tea and the water temperature.When preparing tea for multiple people, pour a small amount into each cup in turn, using a technique known as mawashi-tsugi. This method helps distribute the tea evenly, ensuring a balanced flavor and consistent strength in every cup.
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Pour Evenly and Serve
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Pour the tea little by little into each cup in turn to prevent uneven strength and ensure a balanced flavor.
By paying attention to both the order of pouring and the drinking temperature, the aroma is preserved and the tea’s rich umami can be enjoyed right down to the last drop. -
Second and Third Infusions
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For the second and third infusions, use slightly hotter water than for the first brew and shorten the steeping time to about 10–20 seconds.
By adjusting the temperature and timing, you can avoid over-extracting the leaves and bring out a well-balanced flavor in each successive infusion.
