Japanese Super Sencha Kamakura from Upton

Jan 24, 2004 7 Replies

I recently purchased some Japanese Super Sencha Kamakura (TJ18) from Upton. It came in a different package from most of Upton's teas. My first impression was that it was way too grassy tasting. I'm not fond of astringent, grassy green teas. However, if brewed with two teaspoons to the cup, water around 150-155 F for one minute, it makes a very delicious cup of tea. It almost has a hint of sweet woodruff, or new mown hay. I've been enjoying it immensely.



Taste is such a subjective thing, but this one seems worth checking out. And at $12 per 100g, it's very affordable. I should mention that I've never had some of the very expensive Sencha's, so this may be a low grade for some of you. For reference, my everyday sencha is Special teas Fine Sencha that runs around $6 for a quarter pound. I understand that when you break it down per cup a $40/100g sencha isn't that expensive, but since I have a 16 month old, diapers win out over tea. 8^).



Blues


"Blues Lyne" wrote

I had a look at the brewing suggestions on Upton's site and was surprised to see both the high temperatures and long steeping times suggested for the various kinds of Japanese green tea. As far as I know, few if any Japanese green tea profit from a time over 90-120 seconds, and most are usually best after 30 - 60 seconds.

180 degrees F (82 deg. C) is a little hot for quality sencha, your suggestion of 155 deg. F (~70 deg. C) is more reasonable. Generally, the higher the quality of the tea, the lower the temperature and longer the steeping time.

Have a look at these Japanese tea vendors for some brewing instructions:

formatting link

formatting link

Lars

-Norwegian green tea lover

I have pretty much learned to ignore the brewing suggestions on Upton's site for most green teas. Actually, many sites seem to suggest way too hot water and too long steep time. Thanks for the links, I'll check them out.

Blues

I'm amazed at the forebearance of this group - no-one's made a silly comment about how hard it is to find Norwegian green tea in shops. So I won't either.

DM

LOL - they are an aquired taste....

Lars

Lars MehlumKK%Qb.31407$ snipped-for-privacy@juliett.dax.net1/25/04

22: snipped-for-privacy@c2i.net

Lars,

Is it true what I've heard about the production methods of Norwegian beer?

Michael

You mean that rumor about substituting Temple of Heaven gunpowder for hops?

/Lew

.. Damn, who told you? Anyway, the keyword for Norwegian traditional food and beverage industry is...fermentation. And no, I'm not talking about oxidation...

Lars

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required