Jasmine Green vs Sencha

Jasmine Green

Jasmine green is ordinary green tea scented with fresh jasmine blossoms over several nights. The blossoms are removed, leaving the leaves perfumed with a sweet, heady floral aroma. The base tea is usually mild and smooth, so the cup tastes gentle and fragrant rather than grassy. It is one of the world's most popular scented teas and is often served alongside dim sum.

Sencha

Sencha is Japan's everyday green tea, made by steaming the leaves to lock in a vivid green color. The cup is fresh and grassy with a pleasant vegetal depth, a gentle sweetness, and a clean, slightly brisk finish. Higher grades from the first harvest (shincha) add a softer, more umami-rich body. It pairs naturally with food and handles a second steeping well.

Jasmine Green

Water temperature

75–85°C

Leaf to water

3g / 250ml

Steep time

2–3 min

Re-steep

2–3 times

Sencha

Water temperature

70–80°C

Leaf to water

3g / 250ml

Steep time

1–2 min

Re-steep

2–3 times

Jasmine Green

Medium caffeine — roughly 20–40 mg per brewed serving

A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.

Sencha

Medium caffeine — roughly 15–35 mg per brewed serving

A moderate, steady lift without an intense spike.

Jasmine Green

China · Fujian

Jasmine scenting is centered in Fujian, especially Fuzhou, where the flowers are also grown.

Sencha

Japan · Shizuoka

Shizuoka is Japan's largest tea-producing region, with Uji and Kagoshima also famous for sencha.