Score: 4.6 (votes: 7)
Reviews: 4
Shincha
Shincha FAQ's
What's The Difference Between Shincha and Sencha?
Understanding the difference between shincha and sencha can be confusing. To clarify, all shincha is a type of sencha, but not all sencha is shincha. Here's the key distinction:
Sencha green tea is typically harvested multiple times each year, with the first harvest generally recognized as the highest quality. Most of this initial harvest is stored in a cold environment, allowing it to be distributed fresh throughout the year as it is taken out of storage and repackaged.
However, a specific portion of this first harvest is immediately sold and not stored—this is what is known as shincha. Shincha is prized for its freshness and is available only once a year, directly after harvest.
Is shincha better than first harvest sencha?
The question of whether shincha is better than first harvest sencha doesn't have a straightforward answer. While shincha is undoubtedly the freshest form of green tea available, since it is sold immediately after harvesting without undergoing cold storage, this doesn't necessarily make it superior. The cold storage process can alter the characteristics of the tea, sometimes enhancing and sometimes diminishing its qualities depending on personal taste preferences.
Shincha tends to have a bolder flavor compared to regular first harvest sencha, which often becomes milder after the storage period. While we cannot definitively say that one is better than the other, it is clear that many customers eagerly await shincha arrival each year, seeking the unparalleled freshness it offers.
(FAQs continued at bottom of page below the products)
2024 Shincha Releases:
Note: Every green tea located under this category is considered shincha at this time even if it doesn't specifically say the word shincha, or only has the word sencha in its title. This will remain the case until around the middle or end of June. The following teas have been released this year so far in the shincha form.
If you would like to be notified when a shincha comes into stock, navigate to the product and enter your email address into the "notify me when back in stock" area.
April 26, 2024 - Sae Midori
May 2, 2024 - Shizuoka Sencha Mio
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Uji Shincha Kirameki
AusverkauftExperience the rare delight of Uji Shincha Kirameki, exclusively offered by the historic Tsuen Tea Shop, Japan's oldest tea merchant residing along the picturesque Uji River for over 860 years. This exceptional tea is a once-a-year phenomenon during the shincha season, and once depleted, it won't be available until the next harvest. While Tsuen Tea does offer the Ujibashi San no Ma blend after shincha season, the Kirameki holds a distinctive charm that makes it uniquely sought-after.
Meticulously crafted from the finest 100% Uji-grown Yabukita leaves harvested during the first flush, this asamushi (lightly steamed) sencha enchants with its vibrant, grassy aroma and refined flavor. Kirameki represents the epitome of Japanese green tea, offering a fleeting taste of spring's fresh vitality.
Do not miss the opportunity to indulge in this limited-edition brew. Secure your 100-gram package today and immerse yourself in the exquisite pleasures of shincha season with Uji Shincha Kirameki.
- Expected on May 10, 2024
- A Tsuen Tea!
- Shincha!
Uji Shincha Aoi
AusverkauftWe are proud to present the distinguished Uji Shincha "Aoi" from Tsuen Tea, Japan's oldest teashop. This superb sencha, crafted from the first-harvest yabukita leaves, holds the prestigious position as Tsuen’s second top sencha, only surpassed by the celebrated San no Ma. Lightly steamed to draw out its vibrant, grassy aroma, "Aoi" encapsulates the refreshing essence of spring.
Brewed directly from the scenic banks of the Uji River, this tea represents the pinnacle of Japanese green tea craftsmanship. Each sip of "Aoi" promises a taste of tradition and excellence, making it a must-have for any tea lover.
Available in convenient 100-gram packages, seize the opportunity to experience one of the finest brews Japan has to offer with Uji Shincha "Aoi." Don't let this exceptional tea pass you by!
- Expected on May 10, 2024
- Shincha!
Yutaka Midori Shincha
AusverkauftWe take pride in being pioneers, as we were among the first online tea shops to introduce the exquisite Yutaka Midori sencha to tea enthusiasts globally. This cherished shincha, sourced from the verdant expanses of Kagoshima prefecture at Japan's southernmost point, has captivated tea lovers and remained a top favorite.
Yutaka Midori is celebrated for its exceptional green tea characteristics. We encourage you to experience this sencha and see how it stands out against others available online. You'll be struck by its deep emerald hue, enchanting aroma, and superior flavor. This tea is not just a beverage; it's a journey into the heart of Japanese tea culture.
Don't miss the chance to savor one of our most adored green teas. Order your 100-gram package today and discover why Yutaka Midori continues to impress and delight tea lovers worldwide.
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- Shincha!
Sae Midori Sencha
Currently this product is in "shincha" form and is exactly the same product as our Sae Midori shincha.
Discover the allure of Kagoshima Sae Midori sencha, a premium first-harvest green tea originating from the lush, southern regions of Japan. At O-Cha.com, we take pride in being pioneers, introducing this exceptional sencha to the global market. Since its debut, Sae Midori has enchanted tea enthusiasts with its exquisite qualities.
This remarkable tea is cultivated from a blend of Yabukita and Asa-Tsuyu tea plants, a combination first registered in 1990. Thriving in the warm and frost-free climate of Southern Kagoshima, Sae Midori produces leaves that are a vibrant emerald green, releasing a sweet, grassy aroma that captivates the senses. It stands out both visually and aromatically, making it a prized addition to any tea lover's collection.
Brewing Sae Midori is an enjoyable experience, especially when using a teapot designed for fukamushi-cha, which is ideal for its fine, dust-like leaves. This brewing method brings out the best of its deep-steamed attributes, enhancing the overall tea experience.
Invite the exquisite flavors of Kagoshima Sae Midori into your home with our 100-gram packages. We are confident this sencha will quickly become a beloved staple in your tea routine.
Sorry, we only have 22 of that item available- Neue!
- Shincha!
Shizuoka Sencha Mio
A few years back, we stumbled upon a real treasure and immediately knew we had to have it—this incredibly delicious sencha green tea. It is crafted from the tender young buds that haven't quite reached full maturity, which gives it a unique gentle sweetness and a taste that lingers beautifully after each sip. This tea, our 100% Yabukita "Mio", comes from the first flush of spring leaves, right from the Sakabe District of the Makinohara Plateau—Japan's top spot for tea thanks to its superior soil and climate.
What sets Sencha "Mio" apart is its medium steaming process, which imparts a subtle sweetness that is distinctly pleasant. It's a flavor that stays with you, perfectly balancing sweetness with a light astringency that keeps it interesting cup after cup. This Yabukita variety captures the essence of those still-maturing young buds, known as miru-me, blending their charm with an exquisite softness that makes it one of the finest green teas you can find in Shizuoka.
Mio's sibling green tea, Haruna, also grown in the same district, is harvested just a day or two later. This slight delay allows the leaves to develop a bit more, deepening the flavor but reducing that characteristic softness just a tad.
Mio is wonderfully easy to brew, though we do recommend using a teapot designed for fukuamushi-cha to get the best results. Just remember not to use water that's too hot, or steep it too long, or use too much leaf.
Here's a little tip for brewing: cool your water to about 70 degrees Celsius (160 F) and watch carefully as the tea leaves unfurl to their full extent.
Like all our loose-leaf green teas, Mio is freshly packaged in nitrogen-filled bags to ensure it reaches you in peak condition.
Each package contains 100 grams of this delightful tea, promising many cups of serene, enjoyable moments.Sorry, we only have 29 of that item available- Neue!
- Shincha!
- Coming Soon!
Shizuoka Sencha Haruna
AusverkauftDiscover the delightful richness of Shizuoka Sencha Haruna, a green tea celebrated for its unmistakable sweetness and vibrant, full-bodied flavor. Grown in the nutrient-rich soils of the Makinohara plateau's Sakabe area, Haruna is harvested at the peak of its taste profile, ensuring each cup is a profound experience.
Named after the supplier's daughter, 'Haruna' embodies growth and strength, mirroring the robust and resilient character of this exceptional tea. This variety boasts a bold sweetness paired with a refreshing astringency and a cool, clean finish, offering a sophisticated tea-drinking experience.
While Haruna shares its origins with our 'Mio' green tea, being harvested just two days apart gives each a distinct flavor profile. Haruna is notably sweeter and more pronounced, whereas Mio is revered for its subtle softness. Both teas invite a delightful comparison to find your favorite.
Brewing Haruna is straightforward, but for the best experience, we recommend a teapot designed for fukamushi-cha. Proper brewing temperature and timing are crucial to capture the tea's essence. Packaged in nitrogen-filled bags to maintain freshness, each 100-gram package promises exceptional quality and flavor.
Explore the unique characteristics of Shizuoka Sencha Haruna and delight in its exquisite taste and aroma.
- Expected on May 15, 2024
- Shincha!
Deep Steamed Shincha Kaoru
AusverkauftIntroducing Fukamushi Shincha "Kaoru" – an exceptional first flush green tea from the lush Makinohara district of Shizuoka Prefecture. This 100% Yabukita tea captivates with its vibrant green color and thicker consistency, enhanced by a strikingly grassy aroma that surpasses ordinary deep-steamed green teas. Experience a taste that resonates long after each sip, marking a truly memorable tea experience.
Easy to brew, though we recommend using a teapot designed for fukamushi-cha to capture its essence perfectly. For optimal flavor, avoid overly hot or prolonged brewing. Like all our teas, "Kaoru" is sealed in nitrogen-filled bags to guarantee freshness at every opening.
Available in 100-gram packages, "Kaoru" is ready to transform your tea moments into something extraordinary.
- Expected on May 10, 2024
- Shincha!
Chiran Shincha
AusverkauftIndulge in the exquisite balance and robust flavor of this year's Chiran Sencha, freshly harvested from the historic samurai town of Chiran in Kagoshima, Japan. Crafted from the celebrated Yabukita tea plant, this shincha variant is noted for its superb aroma and delightful mouthfeel, making every sip a luxurious experience. Elevate your tea time with our aromatic and delicious Chiran Sencha—perfect for those who cherish the finer things in life.
Available in 100-gram packages, it's the ideal way to savor a fresh, flavorful cup anytime you desire.
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- Expected on May 10, 2024
- A Tsuen Tea!
- Shincha!
- Neue!
When is Shincha available?
It's available from harvest in late April through usually June, as supplies permit. Quite often the tea we are selling in June is actually shincha though not labelled as such.
Shincha green teas are released one by one. To be notified by email the moment any of the following shincha come into stock, navigate to the product and click on the "Notify Me When Back in Stock" button.
What about "shincha" gyokuro and matcha?
Shade-grown gyokuro and matcha leaves are typically harvested in May, aligning with the timing for the first harvest of traditional sencha. However, these varieties of tea usually undergo several months of aging to enhance their flavors, which consequently delays their market release until the autumn season. If these teas are consumed prior to this aging process, they exhibit a markedly pronounced "green" taste.
During the summer months, it is customary for producers to blend the current year's gyokuro with leaves from the previous harvest, particularly in instances where there is a shortage of older stock that must be extended until the fall. Although these teas remain suitable for consumption, they do not represent the peak quality of fresh harvests and thus are not categorized as true "shincha."
At O-Cha.com, we opt not to market our products as "shincha matcha" or "shincha gyokuro," as these teas are valued not for their immediacy but for their matured, robust flavors.