Score: 4.6 (votes: 7)
Reviews: 4
Refine Your Search
Latest Arrivals
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
Sort by:Price High - Low
- Expected on May 7, 2024
- A Tsuen Tea!
- Shincha!
Uji Shincha Kirameki
Out of stockWe're excited to offer the exclusive Uji Shincha Kirameki from the historic Tsuen Tea Shop, Japan’s oldest teashop, nestled on the scenic banks of the Uji River for over 860 years. Unlike our other teas, the Kirameki is a once-a-year treat during shincha season, and once it’s gone, you’ll have to wait until next year to get more. After shincha season, Tsuen Tea introduces a similar, yet not identical, blend called Ujibashi San no Ma, but there’s something truly special about the Kirameki.
Crafted from select 100% Uji-grown Yabukita leaves from the first harvest, this lightly steamed sencha (asamushi) captivates with its fresh, grassy aroma and elegant flavor. Don’t miss your chance to experience one of the finest Japanese green teas available.
Snag your 100-gram package now and savor the unique delights of shincha season!- Expected on Apr 30, 2024
- A Tsuen Tea!
- Shincha!
Uji Shincha Aoi
Out of stockWe're thrilled to bring you the exceptional Uji Shincha "Aoi" from Tsuen Tea, the oldest teashop in Japan. This exquisite sencha is crafted from first-harvest yabukita leaves and ranks as Tsuen's second highest sencha, right behind their famous San no Ma. Lightly steamed to perfection, the "Aoi" offers a delightful, grassy aroma that captures the essence of spring. This is your chance to savor some of the finest Japanese green tea, direct from the picturesque banks of the Uji River.
Available in handy 100-gram packages—don't miss out on this stellar brew!- New!
- Popular!
- Shincha!
Sae Midori Sencha
Currently this product is in "shincha" form and is exactly the same product as our Sae Midori shincha.
Hey green tea lovers! In case you're not familiar with it, let us introduce you to something truly special: Kagoshima Sae Midori. This first-harvest sencha comes straight from the southern tip of Japan and is a gem that's not to be missed.
We at O-Cha.com pride ourselves on being pioneers, as we were probably the first online shops to ever bring the delightful Sae Midori to tea enthusiasts all over the globe. And guess what? It's been a hit ever since!
Brewing this tea is a breeze! Sae Midori is a unique blend of Yabukita and Asa-Tsuyu tea plants, first registered in 1990. Thriving in the frost-free climes of Southern Kagoshima, this tea boasts a vibrant color and a tempting, sweet aroma that's reminiscent of fresh grass. Just opening the package sends out a wave of scent that's absolutely heavenly. It’s truly a spectacle in green, offering one of the richest emerald hues you'll ever see in a tea.
Here's a little tip: Sae Midori is a deep-steamed green tea with very fine leaves, almost like dust. While you can brew it in various teapots, it shines brightest when made in a teapot designed for fukamushi-cha. Trust us, it makes a difference!
Ready to give it a try? We offer these beautiful 100-gram packages just waiting to be a part of your tea collection. We're pretty sure you're going to love it as much as we do!Sorry, we only have 113 of that item available- Expected on May 10, 2024
- Shincha!
Yutaka Midori Shincha
Out of stockWe’re proud to have been probably the first online tea shop to bring Yutaka Midori to tea lovers around the world! This fabulous shincha, harvested in the lush Kagoshima prefecture at the southern tip of Japan, quickly became a favorite and has stayed at the top of the charts ever since.
Yutaka Midori is known for its vibrant green tea qualities. We invite you to compare this sencha with any others you find online—you'll be amazed by its deep emerald color, delightful aroma, and superb taste. Don't miss out on trying one of our most beloved green teas!
Grab a 100-gram package today and taste the difference for yourself!- Expected on May 10, 2024
- Shincha!
- Coming Soon!
Shizuoka Sencha Haruna
Out of stockShizuoka sencha Haruna - You can savor the rich sweetness and unadulterated, expansive flavor of this tea, which is free from any off notes. Like our 'Mio' green tea, it is grown in the fertile soil and favorable climate of the Makinohara plateau's Sakabe area and is picked at the height of its flavor.
This tea is all about bold sweetness, a nice touch of astringency, and a cool, refreshing finish.
This tea is named 'Haruna', inspired by our supplier's only daughter, reflecting a wish for her to grow freely and with abundant love. Growth, whether in plants, animals, or humans, means becoming more robust—bones or stems firm up, and what was once young and fragile becomes strong and resilient, sometimes losing the tender softness of youth.
In the case of agricultural products like green tea, the impact of even a day's difference is significant, drastically altering the quality. These variations in traits that develop through growth are not only marketed for their unique appeal but also affect the pricing.
Thus, our green teas 'Mio' and 'Haruna', although from the same region and the same variety in Shizuoka Prefecture's Makinohara Sakabe area, are harvested just two days apart. Despite their common origin, their flavors differ subtly.
While 'Mio' offers a delicate softness that gently lingers in the mouth post-drinking, 'Haruna' presents a more pronounced flavor profile, bursting with charm and noticeably sweeter.
We hope you enjoy comparing them and finding your preferred blend.This tea is generally simple to brew, though we recommend using a teapot designed for fukuamushi-cha for optimal results. Care should be taken to avoid brewing at excessively high temperatures, for prolonged periods, or with an excessive amount of tea leaves. Like all our loose-leaf green teas, it is packaged fresh in nitrogen-filled bags.
The price indicated is for 100 grams of tea per package.- Expected on May 15, 2024
- Shincha!
Deep Steamed Shincha Kaoru
Out of stockMeet Fukamushi Shincha "Kaoru" - a top-tier, first flush green tea that's sure to impress. Harvested from the young, vibrant spring leaves in the renowned Makinohara district of Shizuoka Prefecture, this 100% Yabukita brew is a showstopper. It's exceptionally green and thick, with a fresh, grassy aroma that's a bit more intense than your typical deep-steamed green tea. Plus, its taste lingers delightfully long after each sip.
Brewing it is a breeze (though a teapot for fukamushi-cha is recommended). Just remember to keep it cool—don't brew it too hot, too long to keep its flavors perfect. Like all our teas, it's packed fresh in nitrogen-filled bags to ensure maximum freshness.
Grab a 100-gram package and get ready for an unforgettable tea experience!- Expected on May 10, 2024
- Shincha!
Chiran Shincha
Out of stockGet ready for a real treat with this year's harvest—it's beautifully balanced, bursting with flavor, and has a fantastic aroma and mouthfeel. We’re talking about a special shincha straight from the historic samurai town of Chiran, at the southern tip of Kagoshima, Japan. This delightful Chiran Sencha comes from the renowned Yabukita green tea plant. It’s super aromatic and utterly delicious! Why not treat yourself to some today?
Grab it in convenient 100-gram packages. Perfect for enjoying a fresh cup whenever you like!
Bestsellers
- New!
- Popular!
- Shincha!
Sae Midori Sencha
Currently this product is in "shincha" form and is exactly the same product as our Sae Midori shincha.
Hey green tea lovers! In case you're not familiar with it, let us introduce you to something truly special: Kagoshima Sae Midori. This first-harvest sencha comes straight from the southern tip of Japan and is a gem that's not to be missed.
We at O-Cha.com pride ourselves on being pioneers, as we were probably the first online shops to ever bring the delightful Sae Midori to tea enthusiasts all over the globe. And guess what? It's been a hit ever since!
Brewing this tea is a breeze! Sae Midori is a unique blend of Yabukita and Asa-Tsuyu tea plants, first registered in 1990. Thriving in the frost-free climes of Southern Kagoshima, this tea boasts a vibrant color and a tempting, sweet aroma that's reminiscent of fresh grass. Just opening the package sends out a wave of scent that's absolutely heavenly. It’s truly a spectacle in green, offering one of the richest emerald hues you'll ever see in a tea.
Here's a little tip: Sae Midori is a deep-steamed green tea with very fine leaves, almost like dust. While you can brew it in various teapots, it shines brightest when made in a teapot designed for fukamushi-cha. Trust us, it makes a difference!
Ready to give it a try? We offer these beautiful 100-gram packages just waiting to be a part of your tea collection. We're pretty sure you're going to love it as much as we do!Sorry, we only have 113 of that item available- Expected on May 10, 2024
- Shincha!
Yutaka Midori Shincha
Out of stockWe’re proud to have been probably the first online tea shop to bring Yutaka Midori to tea lovers around the world! This fabulous shincha, harvested in the lush Kagoshima prefecture at the southern tip of Japan, quickly became a favorite and has stayed at the top of the charts ever since.
Yutaka Midori is known for its vibrant green tea qualities. We invite you to compare this sencha with any others you find online—you'll be amazed by its deep emerald color, delightful aroma, and superb taste. Don't miss out on trying one of our most beloved green teas!
Grab a 100-gram package today and taste the difference for yourself!- Expected on May 7, 2024
- A Tsuen Tea!
- Shincha!
Uji Shincha Kirameki
Out of stockWe're excited to offer the exclusive Uji Shincha Kirameki from the historic Tsuen Tea Shop, Japan’s oldest teashop, nestled on the scenic banks of the Uji River for over 860 years. Unlike our other teas, the Kirameki is a once-a-year treat during shincha season, and once it’s gone, you’ll have to wait until next year to get more. After shincha season, Tsuen Tea introduces a similar, yet not identical, blend called Ujibashi San no Ma, but there’s something truly special about the Kirameki.
Crafted from select 100% Uji-grown Yabukita leaves from the first harvest, this lightly steamed sencha (asamushi) captivates with its fresh, grassy aroma and elegant flavor. Don’t miss your chance to experience one of the finest Japanese green teas available.
Snag your 100-gram package now and savor the unique delights of shincha season!
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.