Country of Origin: China
Region: Zhejiang Province
Shipping Port: Shanghai
Grade: Sencha
Altitude: 700'-1500' feet above sea level
Manufacture Type: Steamed Sencha Green Tea made to Japanese specifications
Cup Characteristics: Tending light liquoring, smooth with reasonable depth and body. Often used in ceremonies
Infusion: Pale yellow green
Ingredients: Luxury green tea

Information:
Sometimes, the finest things in life come full circle. So it is with Sencha, arguably one of the world's most popular green teas. While Sencha is by tradition a Japanese tea variety, green tea originated in China and was found its way to the island nation via traveling monks in ancient times. In 1740 a Kyoto tea master named Soen Nagatani, developed the method of steam processing green leaf, resulting in a very fresh, flavorful cup and Sencha was born. Nagatani's tea quickly took hold, evolving to become a daily drinker, favored by the common populace, as opposed to the more ceremonial varieties of matcha favored by the wealthy. Sencha production became widespread, and so the years safely passed.

900 years of history would change on 11th of March 2011 with an earthquake, Tsunami and subsequent meltdown of the Daiichi Nuclear Plant in Fukushima Japan. On that day, Japanese tea farming suffered a devastating blow that would see our company, and many others around the world, cease the importation of Japanese teas due to the risk of radioactive material making its way into the supply. Our decision, while heartbreaking, was deemed necessary in light of the fact that food safety has always been our number 1 priority, and continues to be so moving forward.

Thankfully, in the decades preceding the incident, Japan's population had grown large enough to necessitate the importation of green teas for domestic consumption. Subsequently, many Japanese companies had already begun investing heavily to develop Japanese-style tea farms in China, particularly in and around Zhejiang Province. These tea farms, overseen by Japanese tea master, produce Japanese style teas that are as good, and in some cases better, than their Japan grown counterparts. Sencha Kakagawa is one such tea. Remarkably smooth, flavorful and grown in the heart of green tea's original home, China, Sencha has truly come full circle.

Hot tea brewing method: When preparing by the cup, this tea can be used repeatedly - about 3 times. The secret is to use water that is about 180'F or 82'C. Place 1 teaspoon in your cup let the tea steep for about 3 minutes and then begin enjoying a cup of enchantment - do not remove the leaves from the cup. Once the water level is low - add more water, and so on and so on - until the flavor of the tea is exhausted. Look at the pattern of the leaves in the brew, not only do they foretell your fortune but you can see the bud and shoots presenting themselves, looking like they are about to be plucked.

Iced tea brewing method (to make 1 liter/quart): Place 6 teaspoons or 6 tea bags of tea into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the leaves. Add ice and top up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste. [A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to double the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water.]