Sencha Kakagawa

Caffeine Content: Low Caffeine

Ingredients: Green tea

Flavor Profile:  Fresh - Vegetal - Crisp

Brewing Instructions: 

Amount: 1-2 teaspoons per 8oz

Water Temperature: 175°

Steep Time: 1-2 minutes

Sencha Kakagawa is a premium Japanese green tea that offers a balance of vibrant freshness, rich umami, and delicate sweetness. Grown in the Kakagawa region of Japan, this Sencha is crafted using high-quality, young tea leaves that deliver a well-rounded and aromatic cup, providing an authentic representation of Japanese green tea. Its flavor profile strikes a harmonious blend of grassy, vegetal notes and a smooth, slightly sweet finish, making it a popular choice for those who appreciate the elegance of traditional Japanese teas.

Key Characteristics:

High-Quality Sencha:

• Flavor Profile: Sencha Kakagawa is known for its bright, refreshing taste with grassy, vegetal notes that evoke the essence of spring. The flavor is clean and crisp, with a subtle sweetness that lingers on the palate, often described as a "umami" or savory flavor that is characteristic of high-quality Japanese Sencha teas.
• Aromatic Complexity: The aroma is fresh and uplifting, with notes of freshly cut grass, seaweed, and a hint of floral sweetness. There’s also a trace of oceanic minerality, adding to the tea's overall depth and appeal.

Grown in Kakagawa:

• Terroir Influence: Kakagawa, located in Shizuoka Prefecture, is known for its favorable climate and fertile soil, making it an ideal region for growing premium tea. The region’s unique combination of rainfall, sunshine, and soil conditions gives Sencha Kakagawa its vibrant color, clear taste, and rich umami quality.
• Leaf Type: The leaves used for Sencha Kakagawa are carefully picked, typically younger leaves, which have higher concentrations of antioxidants and amino acids. This contributes to the tea’s smooth texture and its naturally sweet, savory flavor profile.

Flavor Profile:

• Grassy Freshness: The primary flavor of Sencha Kakagawa is a fresh, grassy note that’s characteristic of high-quality green teas. This is complemented by a crisp, clean taste that feels refreshing on the palate.
• Umami & Sweetness: The tea boasts a natural umami flavor, which adds depth and richness. The sweetness is subtle but noticeable, providing a smooth, well-balanced finish that lingers pleasantly.
• Minerality & Floral Notes: The brew has a delicate floral aroma, often described as reminiscent of sweet peas or fresh flowers, alongside a faint oceanic or mineral-like quality that enhances the complexity of the flavor.

Brewing Tips:

• Water Temperature: Brew Sencha Kakagawa at a lower temperature, around 175°F (79°C). This helps to preserve the delicate sweetness and vegetal notes while avoiding bitterness that can arise from higher temperatures.
• Steeping Time: Steep for 1-2 minutes to extract the full range of flavors without overwhelming the tea. A shorter steep time will highlight the tea’s bright freshness and sweetness, while a longer steeping time may bring out more umami depth.
• Multiple Infusions: Sencha Kakagawa can often be brewed multiple times. For each infusion, slightly increase the steeping time by 30 seconds to extract the full range of flavors from the leaves.

Health Benefits:

• Rich in Antioxidants: Sencha Kakagawa is packed with antioxidants, particularly catechins, which are believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties. These antioxidants also contribute to overall heart health and immune function.
• Boosts Metabolism: Like many green teas, Sencha Kakagawa can help boost metabolism, aiding in weight management and improving fat oxidation. It’s also thought to improve circulation and provide a gentle energy boost.
• Calming & Focus: The tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation without drowsiness. It can help reduce stress and anxiety, while still providing a gentle, sustained energy boost, making it ideal for mental clarity and focus.

Serving Suggestions:

• Plain or with a Touch of Sweetener: Sencha Kakagawa is best enjoyed on its own to appreciate its delicate flavors. However, a small amount of honey or a natural sweetener can be added if you prefer a slightly sweeter taste.
• Hot or Iced: This tea is traditionally enjoyed hot, especially in cooler months, but it can also be served iced for a refreshing, rejuvenating drink in warmer weather. When iced, the grassy and floral notes become more pronounced.

Why Sencha Kakagawa?

Sencha Kakagawa is perfect for those who appreciate the authentic, nuanced flavor of high-quality Japanese green tea. Its vibrant freshness, coupled with its natural sweetness and umami, makes it a standout choice for anyone seeking a balanced and flavorful tea. Whether you're a seasoned tea enthusiast or new to Japanese teas, Sencha Kakagawa offers a smooth, refreshing experience that highlights the best of Japan’s tea culture. It’s a versatile, all-day tea that can be enjoyed during quiet moments of reflection, with meals, or as a midday pick-me-up.