Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • noun Green tea whose leaves have been steamed to prevent oxidation, rolled, and then dried, typically producing a bright yellowish-green infusion.

Etymologies

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition

[Japanese (literally, “decocted tea,” since sencha is steeped in a teapot, unlike matcha, the form of tea more common in Japan until the 18th century, which is mixed with hot water in the bowl from which it is drunk) : sen, to simmer, decoct, steep (from Middle Chinese tsian, to fry in shallow oil, simmer) + cha, tea; see chanoyu.]

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Examples

  • I personally think sencha is too snooty to roast well, but that’s just me.

    Daily Tea: March 31, 2010 | Tea Derivations 2010

  • The first is Fez, a green tea of the finest grade of sencha, which is Japanese green tea picked earlier than bancha (rather like how extra virgin olive oil comes from the higher grade younger olives than virgin olive oil).

    2010 March | Tea Derivations 2010

  • The first is Fez, a green tea of the finest grade of sencha, which is Japanese green tea picked earlier than bancha (rather like how extra virgin olive oil comes from the higher grade younger olives than virgin olive oil).

    Daily Tea: March 30, 2010 | Tea Derivations 2010

  • And for those of us who love Japanese sweets, Toraya has an elegant selection, to enjoy with sencha (clear green tea) or matcha (whipped green tea).

    Exploring Sushi on the Seine Nidra Poller 2011

  • I went to a Japanese Festival where I saw a butoh procession, bought some first flush sencha (picked only 2 weeks ago!) an had a picknick with friend while listening to taiko drummers.

    Mother’s Day (in Sweden) « Were rabbits 2009

  • Martin Ramin for The Wall Street Journal CUPPA CUISINE: Teas such as from top to bottom lapsang souchong, sencha and Pu'er round out recipes for fried chicken and wild salmon.

    Tea's Got a Brand New Bag 2011

  • I've tried all the blossom tea in their menu, Daimyo matcha iri genmai cha uji and Hamare sencha.

    I'm a big fat liar Jerine 2009

  • Etc: In Japan, where sencha accounts for 75 percent of all tea consumed, it's common to reuse steeped leaves by stirring them into green salads and rice bowls.

    Tea's Got a Brand New Bag 2011

  • Kitchen trick: At cocktail bar PDT in New York, bartender Jim Meehan steeps sencha in cachaça to create the base for a tart, floral Brazilian tea punch spiked with lemongrass syrup and lime.

    Tea's Got a Brand New Bag 2011

  • In Japan, I was exposed to sencha -- the everyday green tea drunk by all Japanese.

    Dr. Andrew Weil: A Life With Tea 2010

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