Shincha Tea
First Flush Sencha
Shincha is the first sencha harvest of spring, prized for its fresh, lively character.
Flavor Profile
What does Shincha taste like?
Shincha is the first sencha harvest of spring, prized for its fresh, lively character. The cup is vivid and grassy with a soft natural sweetness, a fuller body than later flushes, and a clean, aromatic finish. Supplies are limited and it is best enjoyed within months of picking. Compared with everyday sencha, shincha tastes brighter and more vibrant, with less bitterness.
Bar length reflects the relative prominence of each flavor note (dominant first), not a laboratory measurement.
Origin
Kagoshima, Japan
Shincha arrives from southern Kyushu, Kagoshima, and Shizuoka as the earliest spring pickings.
Known for steamed green teas, shade-grown umami, and powdered matcha.
Brewing Guide
How to Brew Shincha
Brewing parameters are a starting point and can be adjusted to taste.
Caffeine
Caffeine in Shincha
Typical brewed serving
Shincha is a medium-caffeine green tea. A typical brewed serving contains about 20–40 mg of caffeine.
Values can vary depending on quantity, brewing time, serving size, and preparation method.
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Side by Side
Want to see how Shincha compares?
Put Shincha next to Sencha and compare flavor, origin, caffeine, and brewing side by side.
FAQ
Shincha Tea FAQ
Quick answers about Shincha tea, drawn from its flavor, origin, caffeine, and brewing profile.
What is Shincha tea?
Shincha is the first sencha harvest of spring, prized for its fresh, lively character. It is also known as First Flush Sencha.
Does Shincha tea have caffeine?
Yes. Shincha is a medium-caffeine tea, typically 20–40 mg per brewed serving.
What does Shincha tea taste like?
Shincha is known for a profile led by Fresh, Grassy, and Sweet, with a light body.
How do you brew Shincha tea?
Use about 3 g of tea per 250 ml of water at 70–80°C, steeping for 1–2 minutes. It can be re-steeped 2–3 times.
Is Shincha tea bitter?
Bitterness is not a defining note of Shincha; its profile centers on Fresh, Grassy, and Sweet.