Sencha: caffeine, brewing and taste
Wikipedia gives an estimate of about 20–30 mg of caffeine per cup.
At a glance
| Type | Japanese steamed green tea |
|---|---|
| Caffeine | 20–30 mg per cup (estimate) |
| Water temperature | 80 °C |
| Steeping time | 1 min |
Caffeine
In the measurements it cites, dry leaves hold roughly 27–31 mg/g, and a higher brewing temperature extracts more caffeine.
How it is made
Sencha is made from the upper leaves of Camellia sinensis. The leaves are steamed for 15–20 seconds to stop oxidation (Chinese green teas are pan-fired instead), then rolled into thin cylinders and dried. Sencha makes up about 80% of Japan's tea production.
Taste
The sources give no specific taste description. A general rule for green tea: water that is too hot or steeping that is too long makes it more bitter.
How to brew
About 80 °C water for about 1 minute.
Frequently asked questions
How much caffeine is in sencha?
Wikipedia gives an estimate of about 20–30 mg of caffeine per cup.
How do you brew sencha?
About 80 °C water for about 1 minute.
Why is sencha brewed with cooler water than black tea?
The sources give about 80 °C and about 1 minute. A higher temperature also extracts more caffeine, so cooler water suits people who want less.
Also useful
Sources
Brewing temperature and time are typical: manufacturers' instructions may differ. Data checked 2026-10-24. General information, not medical advice.