Description
Botanical Name Camellia sinensis
Organic Status Organic
Country of Origin China
Plant Part Leaves
Sencha is made from leaves that grow under sunlight. After the plant grows, they are harvested in the first or second flush, with the first harvest being the best quality Sencha. This first flush is known as Sencha. Also, the leaves from the upper shoots are most often picked because they are the youngest leaves and are therefore higher quality.
Firstly, the steaming process begins immediately to prevent oxidation. Oxidation affects the outcome of the tea drastically. If leaves are partially oxidized, they become oolong tea. Fully oxidized leaves become black tea and green tea has no oxidation.
The tea leaves then go into the drying and rolling process. This is where the tea gets it shape and taste, as they move into cylinders to dry off and get broken down. As a result, the shape of the leaves is needle-like and the taste is fresh.