Japanese Shincha Teas

Shincha or "new tea" is the first tea harvest season in Japan beginning in late March.

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What is Garden
Direct Tea?

Garden Direct is a carefully curated selection of single-origin teas sourced from the most esteemed growers. They are packaged freshly made at origin and air freighted to us immediately so we can celebrate and share these most cherished teas during the primer producing seasons. Each tea tells a story and invites you to share in our Garden Direct connections.

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Reviews

What Rishi Tea Drinkers
Are Saying

"This is by far the best Earl Grey tea I have had. I drink a lot of tea and only drink Rishi Earl Grey. You will love the flavor. "

—Marshall

Earl Grey Supreme

Rich | Citrusy | Floral

"I don't believe there is a better green tea you can get in a bag. The evidence is in the bright, even, grassy green color this tea makes."

—JD

Matcha Super Green

Sweet | Smooth | Umami

"I love this tea - the richness of it is amazing, and it relaxes me with the ginger and turmeric. Such a winner :)"

—Kayla

Turmeric Ginger

Spicy | Zesty | Fragrant

"This tea is absolutely amazing! I feel immediate uplifting effects after consuming. Rishi has the best quality tea that I have found on any shelf thus far."

—Tia

Blueberry Hibiscus

Vibrant | Tart | Luscious

"This is seriously the BEST chai concentrate out there. It's incredible and has such a great spice. I'll never go back to another brand."

—Courtney

Masala Chai Concentrate

Spicy | Rich | Fragrant

"This is my first tasting of oolong tea and I'm in love! It's flavor is delicate yet robust and floral. Absolutely delicious, my new favorite tea."

—Amber

Iron Goddess of Mercy

Roasty | Dried Fruit | Smooth

"Delicious and satisfying. It's delicate enough to drink without doctoring but also bold enough to hold up to cream and honey. An absolute delight."

—Star

Golden Yunnan

Malty | Jammy | Mellow

The Highest Tier of Japanese Sencha Teas

Prized for its light and refreshing flavor, shincha teas are a step above the more common sencha green tea many are familiar with. These teas are plucked in the first harvest of the season, typically in April, resulting in a flavor and aroma only new tea can provide. Its freshness and care in preparation results in a nuanced flavor that is both sweet and astringent, with a balance between strong umami and deep heartiness. Steeped in tradition and care, these teas are sure to impress any Japanese sencha lover.

How to Brew Shincha Tea

These teas are best enjoyed similarly to other sencha teas, with hot water that has been cooled slightly and in small batches. We suggest brewing 1 tablespoon of tea with 5 ounces of water, brewing for 45 seconds at a time. These teas can be rebrewed 2-3 times, after which they will begin to taste weaker.

FAQs

Both of these teas have the same growing process, but their plucking and oxidation preparation is slightly different. Shincha varieties are only the first harvest of tea from the tree, while later harvests are considered sencha teas.

Due to its oxidation level and preparation, shincha is a green tea, with similar caffeine content and general flavor notes to Japanese sencha teas.

Yes — they also contain L-theanine, another compound commonly found in tea. The combination of L-theanine and caffeine in these teas can result in feeling a more even energy boost without the typical caffeine crash.

Specially Sourced for Freshness and Flavor

Looking for more limited-edition teas? Browse our Garden Direct collection, where Rishi Tea selects the most unique and luxury teas we are able to source. Our Garden Direct teas are procured through our Direct Trade relationships, a program that encourages ethical tea distribution and ensures the growers we work with are able to receive the best price they can for their teas. Try our teas today and taste the difference for yourself!