Asamushi Sencha

Asamushi Sencha (浅蒸し煎茶) is a lightly steamed Japanese green tea known for its elegant leaf shape, clear liquor, vivid fragrance, refreshing astringency, and delicate finish. The word asamushi means “light steamed” or “shallow steamed,” referring to the brief steaming process used shortly after the leaves are harvested. Unlike sencha styles designed to produce a dense color or immediate richness, Asamushi Sencha emphasizes definition. Its fragrance remains easy to notice, its flavors unfold gradually, and the brewed tea often appears pale yellow-green rather than intensely green. It is especially appealing to drinkers who enjoy clarity, aroma, and the changing character of several infusions. TOCWhat Is Asamushi Sencha? Asamushi Sencha is sencha made with a relatively short steaming stage. As a practical guide, the leaves are often steamed for no more than about 30 seconds, although individual producers adjust the timing according to the tenderness, thickness, moisture, and condition of each harvest. The purpose of light steaming is not to leave the leaves partly oxidized. The steam must still deactivate the enzymes that cause oxidation. Instead, the producer limits the leaves’ expos...