The Nibble: Sencha Tea

Sencha is the term for quality green tea in Japan; approximately 80% of the tea produced in Japan is sencha (see our Tea Glossary for other types of tea). Sen means to brew, steep, or boil, referring to a mixture of medicine or a healing drink; tea was originally used as a medicine. Cha is the Japanese and Chinese word for tea.

In addition to its health benefits, this green tea tastes exquisite and is a refreshing pick-me-up. This is no delicate green brew, but a full-strength, assertive tea. You can believe the copy on the can, that it is brewed from premium sencha leaves. You can taste the leaves. Although this tea has no leaf fiber or “pulp” of any kind, it seems as thick and viscous on the palate as a pulpy orange juice. Yet, pour it into a glass and you see a liquid as pale and golden as apple juice. We’re sorry it is only available in 6.4-ounce cans: We’d drink it by the quart.

Oolong Shot

Following the success of Sencha Shot, ITO EN introduced Oolong Shot, for customers who prefer an alternative to green tea. Oolong, also known as “blue tea” because of the hue of the partially-oxidized leaf, contains a wide range of tea polyphenols—catechins, theaflavins, thearubigins and theabrowins. Extensive scientific studies underway seek to study its properties and how they may support cardiovascular health and the healthy digestion of fats.

The Chinese and Japanese cultures have long believed that oolong tea helps maintain a healthy body weight; this has resulted in the marketing Wu-Long (oolong) “slimming tea,” which is simply oolong. All tea is a diuretic; drink enough of it you’ll lose water weight. We’ll have to wait for conclusive study results to quantify the fat-burning effects of oolong, but you can hedge your bets now.

Photo of Oolong Shot by Daniela Cuevas | THE NIBBLE.

Closing Thoughts

It’s easy to pack a can or two into your pocket, bag or briefcase. Perhaps with Sencha Shot and Oolong shot, a can a day keeps the doctor away. Even if it weren’t for the antioxidants, its refreshing: We love the big flavors and the energy-inducing natural caffeine in these small cans.

The only thing working against Sencha Shot and Oolong Shot, in our opinion, is that the can looks like a typical Asian grocery store product, not a hot and happening American beverage. Unlike the sophisticated Teas’ Tea bottled tea packaging, which appeals to an American buyer of specialty foods, the can looks a bit old-fashioned. Since packaging (or “shelf appeal” is half the battle in the U.S., and since most Americans won’t immediately understand why they should take a look at something called Sencha Shot or Oolong Shot, the package could be vastly improved to make more of a “buy me” statement. Perhaps that can be corrected in the next round, because we want these products to be a big success.

But as far as what’s inside the can goes, we can only say, “Barkeep, line ‘em up.” At zero calories per shot, you can enjoy as many shots you want, and be all the better for it.

Ito En

Sencha Shot and Oolong Shot High-Strength Canned Teas

6.4 Ounce Can
Case of 30
Sencha Shot, $45.00
Oolong Shot, $35.00
Suggested Retail Price
$1.79 To $1.99/Can

Purchase online* at ItoEn.com

Available at fine retailers nationwide, including Whole Foods Markets. Click here for a store locator.

*Prices and product availability are verified at publication but are subject to change. Shipping is additional. These items are offered by a third party and THE NIBBLE has no relationship with them. Purchase information is provided as a reader convenience.

Sencha Shot Color coded: The green tea in the green can, the blue tea, as oolong is sometimes called, in the blue can. Photo by Daniela Cuevas | THE NIBBLE.

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