Sencha Yamato Green Tea

Yamato Sencha Japanese Green Tea is a notably well manufactured, classical Green Tea. The name “Yamato” derives from the ancient name of the area currently known as Nara district in Japan. This region lies to the south of Osaka. Indeed, it is also the home of our exceptional Yamato Sencha Japanese Green Tea, one of our most popular Japanese Teas.

The Sencha Leaf found in this Tea is traditional and typical of Japanese production. Workers harvest it in the Autumn months as the leaves become more mature. This is following rapid summer growth. Connoisseurs value Autumnal Teas for their stronger tastes and full, rich aromas. Yamato Sencha Japanese Green Tea is, of course, no exception.

But its taste is not the only exceptional quality. According to modern science, Green Teas like Yamato Sencha Japanese Green Tea contain a wealth of antioxidants capable of improving health and wellbeing. Research suggests that the frequent consumption of this beverage can boost the metabolism of fat cells. This can help the body to burn fat quicker and more efficiently. Furthermore, it can improve cardiovascular health and even reduce the risks of diabetes.

About Sencha Yamato Green Tea

The first time Tea arrived in Japan was during the 8th Century CE. During this era, two Buddhist monks, Saicho and Kukai, brought young Tea trees to Japan from China. After a relatively brief period of popularisation, the Japanese Emperor Shomu (聖 武) served Tea at a Buddhist ceremony in 729 CE. However, from 815 CE onwards, records suggest that Japan essentially forgot about Tea for some 400 years. Why or how exactly we’ll likely never know.

The second time Tea arrived in Japan had more of a lasting impact. This was again through Buddhism when a monk named Eisai (栄西; 1141-1215 CE) published a book entitled “Kissa Yojoki – How to Stay Healthy by Drinking Tea”. In one extract, it read: “Tea is the ultimate mental and medical remedy and has the ability to make one’s life full and complete”.

Indeed, Eisai wasn’t wrong. His ideas took Japan by storm soon after.

Who First Made Sencha Green Tea?

Today, 78% of Tea consumption in Japan is Sencha Green Tea. But did Japan create it? Or was it China? The two countries can’t agree.

Nevertheless, there is a fascinating legend from Japan that suggests it was the creation of a farmer named Nagatani Soen from Uji, near Kyoto. In 1738, this 58-year-old farmer began experimenting with different Tea processing techniques. One such technique, according to this tale, was very similar to that used for modern-day Sencha Green Tea.

Nagatani had an exceptional understanding of the inner workings of the Japanese Tea Industry. He knew his new creation wouldn’t sell in Kyoto, its residents conservative and traditional. Instead, he travelled to Edo (present-day Tokyo). There, he visited a local Tea shop, its owner captivated by his new Tea. Indeed, such was his adoration for it that he dubbed the beverage “tenka ichi” (‘天下一’), meaning “first under the heavens”.

Is there any truth to this story? Only you can decide for yourself. Why not think about it over a cup of our Yamato Sencha Japanese Green Tea?

Useful Information about Sencha Yamato Green Tea

Type of Tea: Green Tea.

Grade: Sencha Orthodox Leaf.

Origin: Nara Prefecture (formerly Yamato), Japan.

Brewing Instructions: Brew using freshly boiled water left to cool to temperatures between 75 and 80 C. Infuse for 1 to 3 minutes.

How to Serve: Best served without any accompaniments, although some consider honey or lemon.

Tasting Notes: Yamato Sencha Japanese Green Tea has a robust character and a rich taste. It likewise consists of a floral aroma with subtle buttery and creamy notes.

Colour in Cup: Yellow liquor with greenish highlights, light in tone.

Early evidence suggests that the antioxidants, specifically Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), found in Green Tea can improve brain function and can, potentially, reduce the risks of developing Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.

In one new study conducted at the University of Basel, Switzerland, Prof. Stefan Borgwardt from the Psychiatric University Clinics found that extracts of Green Tea increase the brain’s effective connectivity. This refers to the causal influence that one brain area exerts over another.

The effect of this connectivity also led to the improvement of cognitive improvement as proven by the volunteers who, after consuming the extract, tested significantly better for memory tasks.