Sencha Iri Matcha - Loose Leaf Tea

A concoction of two of the best-loved brews from Japan, our 2021 Great Taste award-winning loose-leaf No. 73 Sencha Matcha might be the ultimate green tea. Evoking sea breezes and the aroma of fresh grass, this clear infusion is full of vegetal and umami notes, with the premium dark green Supreme Sencha tea leaves forming the perfect carrier for a judicious amount of fine powder Ceremonial Grade Matcha. The result is a fresh yet mellow cup that seems to glow with goodness, whether you're drinking it hot or as an iced tea.

The clever combination of clean, light-tasting sencha and intense, creamy matcha makes this luxury tea smooth drinking at any time of day. Low in the tannins that can cause astringency and bitterness, Sencha Matcha is mild and refreshing, with notes of grass and boiled spinach and a sweet aftertaste.

Both ingredients for this tea are harvested in Ise Bay, Mie Prefecture, located on the Pacific coast of Honshu and a renowned tea-growing region with a history that dates back at least 800 years.

What are the health benefits of Sencha Matcha Tea?

Hand blending two of the world's most nutrient-rich teas at our London Tea Hub, our naturally bright green Sencha Matcha tea comes with double health benefits. These early harvest green teas from the Yabukita cultivar of Camellia Sinensis are rich in plant compounds called polyphenols, associated with lowered blood pressure and cholesterol. Because of their minimal processing, green teas are also higher in antioxidants, such as carotenoids and ascorbic acid (vitamin C), than other teas, while sencha is thought to assist with dental health, thanks to its fluoride content.

Matcha scores particularly highly in the category of antioxidants called catechins, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is associated with cancer-fighting properties and a reduction of 'bad' LDL cholesterol. The green tea powder, which is grown in the shade, also contains high levels of healthy amino acids, including L-theanine. While matcha contains moderate amounts of caffeine, research has shown that it's released slowly in this tea due to its interaction with L-theanine. So you can sip your Sencha Matcha knowing you're in for a sustained sense of focus, rather than just the temporary jolt delivered from, say, a strong cup of coffee.

Alternatives to our Japanese loose leaf tea

If you're new to matcha or looking to use it purely for cooking, our mellow Standard Matcha is a great introduction to this style of tea. We also offer the unique taste of this Japanese speciality brew in our Ceremonial Grade Matcha and, for extra health points, our chemical-free Organic Matcha. For an authentic Japanese tea that marries sencha, matcha and the warm notes of toasted rice, our Genmaicha Iri Matcha is comforting and delicious. Yet to discover our velvety Matcha Latte Mix? Made with cacao, toffee and cinnamon, and whipped to perfection with your preferred milk, it's a sublimely smooth and creamy way to enjoy all the health benefits of matcha powder.

For the full range of The Tea Makers of London green teas, browse our Tea Shop. If you're still unsure which matcha to buy, see our guide, which includes a key to help you choose the right caddy of this powerhouse green powder.