Powdered Sencha (1.07 oz)

My 2nd order from Den’s Tea! It was shipped on the 29th and arrived today. Very quick considering yesterday was Sunday!

I spent $34.05 on my order ($3 of that was shipping) which consisted of this (30g), 2oz of Bancha Suruga, organic matcha, Lucky Gold Tea, and I was also surprised w/ the "Sample Tea of the Month: 10g of Premium Sencha Shin-ryoku! (Although it’s not listed as “premium” on their site… I wonder why…) Now that’s value! I didn’t get the Sample Tea of the Month w/ my matcha set in Dec. Maybe that was because I got the sampler instead.

Whoa… mmm… Looks like matcha, smells like matcha too- only stronger. Both the vegetal and sweet aromas are stronger.

I know this isn’t matcha, but I prepared it like it. 5oz hot water, 1/8tsp (although it seems weird using a plastic measuring spoon instead of my Chashaku) powdered sencha in my matcha bowl then whisked w/ my chasen.

The liquor (is this the proper term even though this isn’t decanted tea?) is a gorgeous green color and it whisks up similarly to my Mandarin Matcha only not as thick, although it still does foam up slightly.

I’ve decided that the word to describe matcha and like teas is sensual. Lucious also fits. This is amazing. Stronger than some matchas in both the vegetal and sweet aspect. Each sip is a little different. This is definitely a good matcha substitute.

I realized that I’d failed to make iced tea on this, a disgustingly hot day (tomorrow is supposed to be the hottest since 1948!). So I put a teaspoon of this in my glass bottle full of cold water and stuck it in the freezer for about half an hour before I had to leave. By the time I made it to work, I needed it. This is so refreshing. Only a slight bitterness. Really nice and sweet and flavourful. Here’s hoping it’ll help keep me productive because I’m really struggling to read/study in this weather!

Den’s Powdered Sencha is a nice way to boost your morning/afternoon productivity, or potentiate an otherwise underwhelming green tea. About a quarter teaspoon (or chashaku) scoop added to a cup of hot or cold water yields a surprisingly flavorful, nutritious cup of tea that’ll pick you up.

I’ve had the best results using a cheapo electric milk frother to “whisk” up the tea in the water before adding milk or ice; but you’ll want to keep a spoon or straw handy to make sure you stir up all the nutritious bits of tea.

The flavor is somewhat bitter, but unmistakably “green;” the perfect chioce for iced tea in a pinch. Also works great in a latte if you add an extra scoop and sweeten best results.