Sencha Green Tea

Instructions

1. Prepare the water
   Heat filtered water to 160-180°F (70-82°C). Unlike black tea, Sencha requires a lower brewing temperature to prevent bitterness and preserve its delicate flavor compounds.
2. Warm the teapot
   Pour a small amount of the heated water into your teapot or brewing vessel, swirl it around to warm the pot, then discard the water. This helps maintain a consistent brewing temperature.
3. Add the tea leaves
   Place 2 tablespoons of Sencha leaves into the warmed teapot. If using a small Japanese kyusu teapot, adjust to 1 tablespoon per cup of water.
4. First infusion
   Pour the heated water over the tea leaves and steep for exactly 1 minute. Pour the tea through a strainer into cups, making sure to distribute the last drops evenly as they contain concentrated flavor.
5. Subsequent infusions (optional)
   Sencha leaves can be steeped 2-3 times. For the second infusion, use slightly hotter water (175-185°F) and steep for only 30 seconds. The third infusion can be steeped for 45-60 seconds.
6. Serve and enjoy
   Serve immediately in small cups to appreciate the fresh, vegetal flavor profile. Add optional honey for sweetness or garnish with lemon or mint if desired.