{"slug":"sencha","name":"Sencha","steep_time":{"low_seconds":60,"high_seconds":90},"steep_temperature":{"low_c":70,"high_c":80,"low_f":158,"high_f":176},"web_url":"https://timebeforetea.com/teas/sencha","title":"How to Brew Sencha","description":"Steep Sencha for 1m – 1m 30s at 70°C – 80°C (158°F – 176°F). A step-by-step brewing guide from Time Before Tea.","steps":[{"name":"Measure your tea","text":"Use about one teaspoon of Sencha leaves per 8 oz cup."},{"name":"Heat the water","text":"Bring fresh water to 70°C – 80°C (158°F – 176°F). Water that is too hot will scorch the leaves."},{"name":"Steep","text":"Pour the water over the leaves and steep for 1m – 1m 30s. Start at the shorter time and taste as you go."},{"name":"Strain and serve","text":"Remove the leaves as soon as the steep is done so the tea does not turn bitter."}],"faqs":[{"question":"What temperature should water be for sencha?","answer":"158–176°F (70–80°C). Higher-grade sencha does best at the cooler end. Boiling water makes it bitter."},{"question":"How long should you steep sencha?","answer":"60 to 90 seconds for the first steep. The second steep needs only 15–30 seconds, because the leaves are already open."},{"question":"How much sencha should I use?","answer":"About 2–3 g (a heaping teaspoon) per 8 oz (240 ml) cup, or 5 g in a 6 oz kyusu for a richer cup."},{"question":"What's the difference between sencha and matcha?","answer":"Sencha is grown in full sun and steeped as whole leaves. Matcha is made from shaded leaves ground into powder and whisked into water, so you drink the whole leaf."},{"question":"Does sencha have caffeine?","answer":"Yes, usually about 20–40 mg per 8 oz cup, a little less than black tea. Hotter water and longer steeps extract more."},{"question":"Can you cold brew sencha?","answer":"Yes. Use about 10 g per 17 oz (500 ml) of cold water and refrigerate for 3–6 hours. It comes out sweet and savory, with very little bitterness."}],"product_handles":[],"store_available":false}