Gyokuro, Sencha & Bancha
Gyokuro, Sencha, and Bancha are types of Japanese green tea. Understanding the differences between these teas is important for tea enthusiasts and for those who are interested in trying different types of green tea.
Gyokuro is considered the highest quality green tea in Japan. It is grown under shade, which slows the growth and increases chlorophyll, resulting in a mild, sweet, and delicate flavour. It is considered to be the best tea for experiencing umami, the fifth taste after sweet, sour, salty, and bitter. Gyokuro is also high in amino acids, making it a very nutritious drink.
Sencha is the most popular type of green tea in Japan and accounts for more than 80% of the country's tea production. It is grown in direct sunlight and is harvested after Gyokuro. It has a fresh, grassy, and slightly astringent taste with a more robust flavour than Gyokuro. It is considered a good tea for daily consumption, as it is relatively low in caffeine compared to other teas.
Bancha is the lowest grade of Japanese green tea, produced from the lower leaves and stems of the tea plant. It has a coarser, less delicate flavour than Sencha and is considered a less expensive alternative. It has a slightly nutty, toasty taste and is often used for cooking in Japan. Bancha is also low in caffeine, making it a good tea for evening or late-night drinking.
Brewing Methods
The brewing temperature is one of the most important factors in making a perfect cup of tea, as it can greatly affect the taste, aroma, and color of the tea. The right brewing temperature depends on the type of tea you are using, and for Gyokuro, Sencha, and Bancha, it is important to follow the guidelines for each tea in order to fully appreciate their flavour and benefits.
Gyokuro, being the most delicate of the three teas, requires a lower brewing temperature of around 140°F to 150°F (60°C to 65°C). This low temperature prevents the tea from becoming bitter and helps to bring out the tea's sweetness and umami flavor. Over brewing Gyokuro can result in a bitter taste and a loss of its delicate flavour.
Sencha, being a more robust tea, requires a higher brewing temperature of around 160°F to 170°F (70°C to 80°C). This higher temperature allows the tea to fully release its flavour and aroma. Over brewing Sencha can result in a bitter taste and a loss of its fresh, grassy flavour.
Bancha, being the coarsest of the three teas, requires the highest brewing temperature of around 170°F to 180°F (80°C to 85°C). This high temperature is necessary to extract the flavour and aroma of the tea, which is more robust than that of Sencha. Over brewing Bancha can result in a bitter taste and a loss of its nutty, toasty flavour.
In summary, it is important to follow the correct brewing temperature for each tea in order to fully appreciate its flavour and benefits. Over brewing or using an incorrect brewing temperature can result in a bitter taste and a loss of the tea's unique flavour profile.
In conclusion, the difference between Gyokuro, Sencha, and Bancha lies in their growth and production methods, as well as their flavour profile. Each tea has its own unique taste and nutritional benefits, and it is worth trying each one to experience the differences for yourself.