2025 Shincha
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.
May 2nd - Sae Midori Shincha
May 6th - Shizuoka Shincha Mio
May 6th - Fukamushi Shincha Kaoru
May 9th - Organic Chiran Shincha
May 13th - Yutaka Midori Shincha
May 14th - Yutaka Midori Madoka Shincha
May 15th - Shizuoka Shincha Haruna
Every product below is currently in shincha form even if the label says "sencha"
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- A Tsuen Tea!
- Shincha!
Uji Shincha Kirameki
Out of stockExperience 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 (Wazuka village) 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.
Important Brewing Notes: For this year's tea, brew similar to gyokuro at 60 C / 140 F for about 90 seconds. This is lower than most sencha. Thus, you should pre-warm your brewing vessels (teapot and teacups) prior to brewing, otherwise the result will be tepid. If you do this correctly, you will be greeting with a wonderful umami green tea experience.
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.
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Sae Midori Sencha
Currently - 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 28 of that item available- New!
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Yutaka Midori Sencha
Currently Shincha
Attention green tea lovers! We're proud to be one of the first online shops to offer the exquisite Yutaka Midori sencha to tea enthusiasts around the world. Ever since its introduction, this Kagoshima Sencha Yutaka Midori has remained a beloved favorite.
This premium sencha, hailing from the radiant southern regions of Japan, is renowned for its intensely vibrant, deep emerald color and robust "green" qualities that set it apart from other teas. We encourage you to compare the Yutaka Midori with any other sencha on the market and experience its superior color, inviting aroma, and rich flavor for yourself. Our community's glowing reviews are a testament to its exceptional quality!
For optimal enjoyment, here's a brewing tip: steep the first infusion for just 30 seconds. This brief steeping time allows the tea to release its full spectrum of flavors without overpowering its delicate nuances.
Order a 100-gram package today and see for yourself why Yutaka Midori continues to captivate and charm tea aficionados year after year.
Sorry, we only have 44 of that item available- New!
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Shizuoka Sencha Mio
Currently Shincha
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 39 of that item available- New!
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Yutaka Midori Sencha Madoka
Experience the exquisite taste of Kagoshima Sencha Yutaka Midori "Madoka," a premium green tea crafted from the first harvest in the lush fields of Kagoshima prefecture, at Japan's southern tip. This distinct sencha variety offers a unique twist on our classic Yutaka Midori, featuring a smoother, less grassy flavor with a subtle astringency that enhances its rich profile. Rich in catechins, Madoka not only delights your palate but also offers a potent dose of antioxidants.
For the perfect cup, take care to monitor the water temperature and steeping time closely, ensuring every sip delivers the optimal balance of flavors. Available in convenient 100-gram packages, Madoka is an ideal choice for both green tea enthusiasts and newcomers looking to explore the subtleties of authentic Japanese sencha.
Discover the vibrant taste of Kagoshima with every steep. Order your Kagoshima Sencha Yutaka Midori "Madoka" today and elevate your tea experience!Sorry, we only have 41 of that item available- New!
Shizuoka Sencha Haruna
Currently Shincha
Discover 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.
Sorry, we only have 49 of that item available- New!
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Fukamushi Sencha Kaoru
Currently Shincha
Introducing the exquisite Fukamushi Sencha "Kaoru," a premier, first flush green tea from the fertile Makinohara district of Shizuoka Prefecture. Crafted from 100% Yabukita leaves, this tea captures the essence of spring with its young, vibrant leaves. "Kaoru" is known for its exceptionally deep green hue and thick consistency, offering an intense, grassy aroma that surpasses typical deep-steamed teas.
The flavor of "Kaoru" is rich and enduring, lingering on your palate long after your last sip, making each cup a memorable experience. Brewing is simple, though for optimal results, we recommend using a teapot designed for fukamushi-cha to fully appreciate its depth. To preserve the perfect balance of its flavors, ensure the brewing water is not too hot and the steeping time is just right.
Packaged in nitrogen-filled bags to maintain its pristine freshness, "Kaoru" is available in 100-gram packages. Prepare yourself for an unparalleled tea experience with each brew of Fukamushi Sencha "Kaoru."
Sorry, we only have 25 of that item available- New!
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Chiran Organic Sencha
Currently Shincha
Experience the distinct pleasure of our first harvest organic sencha from Nishimoto, located in the lush Chiran region of Minami-Kyushu, Kagoshima Prefecture. This exquisite tea is a sophisticated blend of Yabukita, Yutaka Midori, Asatsuyu, and Kanayamidori breeds, all cultivated under strict organic practices to ensure the highest quality and sustainability.
Deep-steaming techniques are employed to enhance the vibrant green color and enrich the flavor profile, resulting in a tea that is both visually striking and deeply satisfying in taste. The aroma is compelling and rich, offering a sensory experience that is both refreshing and indulgent.
Whether you're a connoisseur of fine teas or seeking to explore the nuances of Japanese green teas, this sencha from Nishimoto is an excellent choice, promising a truly memorable and aromatic cup every time.
Sorry, we only have 41 of that item available
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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 regular 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)
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.