We don't know when or if this item will be available.
“Lena sent me a bit of this tea, and I was in the mood for something fruity tonight so…ta da! Now give me a cookie. [Just kidding. Maybe. Do you have cookies?] She had written down a 30 second steep...” Read full tasting note
“I can’t believe the brewing perameters on this! The info they sent me clearly states 1/2TB (1.5tsp) steeped in 4oz boiling water for 1min for senchas, but the bag says 1tsp/6oz in 190 degree water...” Read full tasting note
“I placed my first Den’s Tea order and it came really quickly! I ordered the $3 sampler for novices and am really looking forward to broadening my horizons and trying them! My ultimate is to one...” Read full tasting note
“I received my order from Den’s Tea yesterday afternoon, and they were nice and included this tea as a sample (I requested it, but, they still didn’t have to! It was very nice of them to do so!) ...” Read full tasting note
The combination of dried apple bits and apple flavor make Apple Sencha is a great option to apple cider on a cold evening. It offers the pleasure of sweet-sour apple with Sencha flavor. Also great for iced tea.
Origin: Shizuoka
Harvest: A Blend of 2009 First & Second Harvests
Species: Yabukita
Tasting Profile:
Sweet apple flavor is well mixed with the green Sencha taste.
Den’s Preferred Brewing:
Water: 4oz boiled
Leaves: 2 grams or 1 heaping teaspoon
Steep: 30 sec
2nd Cup: Water boiled; Steep 15 sec
For a cup of Iced Tea: Put 50% more tea leaves into a teapot. Steep as directed for hot tea. Once you brew it, put ice into the cup to lock in the aroma.
Company description not available.
Lena sent me a bit of this tea, and I was in the mood for something fruity tonight so…ta da! Now give me a cookie. [Just kidding. Maybe. Do you have cookies?]
She had written down a 30 second steep time, was counting it in my head and I got a little distracted [not surprising] so it was probably closer to 45. Not that I’m sure that would have made a huge difference. It didn’t come out bitter or anything, thankfully.
The liquid smells distinctly of apple. To me it’s clearly apple of more of the granny-smith, green variety, but also…baked. Something about it makes me think of apple baked into a pie without the additional seasoning.
At first, the taste was very much like every green apple candy I’ve had without about 95% of the sweetness. As it cooled down, however, it began to fill out. I can’t place exactly what it was that happened, but I think that I got a little bit more of that sour taste [in a good way] and the sweetness balanced out really nicely with it. By the time I reached the bottom of my cup I was pretty satisfied.
I hardly got any sencha taste, though it could very well be that it just mingled very well with the apple taste. In looking at the leaves, I hadn’t been expecting a really bold, robust sencha taste [they’re a bit dark and a little twiggy] so I think that this is a case of the quality matching up pretty well with the flavor profile.
I didn’t give this another steep because it was pretty light to begin with, though in the future when I have a little more time I might give it a go just to play around. I definitely enjoyed this, but as we almost always have apples around here I usually just eat one when I’m craving one. So, I don’t think that this is going to be something I’ll order.
I can’t believe the brewing perameters on this! The info they sent me clearly states 1/2TB (1.5tsp) steeped in 4oz boiling water for 1min for senchas, but the bag says 1tsp/6oz in 190 degree water for 3 min. I’m sticking w/ the sheet.
2nd and 3rd infusions combined. 8oz boiling water steeped for 3min. In light of the bitterness of the 1st infusion. I did something I RARELY do. I decided to sweeten it. 1 packet of stevia. Idea isn’t bad, but too sweet. next time gonna steep it in 16oz for 7 min 40 sec. You could just use half a packet, but to me that’s a pain and a mess.
Japanese greens have very specific steeping parameters. Each green from company to company can be radically different. I’ve heard of greens that require 2 tbsp.
@teaplz, it shouldn’t be the company that makes the difference. Each sencha SHOULD be the same. Are other teas (black, chai, pu erh, white, oolong) from Japan similar? What about from other countries? This is the 1st I’ve learned of steeping according to sub type of tea (sencha vs. just green) and can’t find this info for other kinds.
No, each sencha is not the same. Like every other tea, sencha has many varieties. Depending on which sencha you’re drinking, steepage might be different.
In fact, in general, there are two broad categories of sencha: “Two types of sencha are available. They’re differentiated by the length of steaming time: there are lightly-steamed (regular) senchas and deep-steamed senchas. Generally speaking, teas from the select growing zones and higher-grade teas (such as the first-harvest teas discussed below) are processed with shorter steaming times to retain their natural flavor. Deep-steaming is a relatively new processing method. Advantages brought by longer steaming are a milder yet rich-bodied taste with less bitterness, brilliant green brewed color, and easier brewing.”
http://www.greentea-direct.com/about_hishidai/sencha_gyokuro.html
So yes, you have to change your steepage time for each different tea depending on varietal.
Further information on the difference senchas: http://www.amazing-green-tea.com/sencha.html
Not all teas are the same.
@teaplz, I think there was some miscommunication on my part. What I meant was that all premium sencha should be steeped in an amount of 1.5tsp of leaf in 2-3oz of 160 degree water for 90 sec no matter what company it comes from. Same w/ sencha, Premium Fukamushi-Sencha, and Fukamushi-Sencha with their own unique parameters.
What I was trying to say is that different companies can order different types of sencha, and suggest different steeping times as a result. That’s why each company can have very varied steeping suggestions. It’s all to taste, anyway. Different amounts of buds vs. leaves, different varieties of plants, different roasting procedures, all of these can change suggested steep times.
If every company’s premium sencha tasted exactly the same, then why would anyone bother drinking several different companies’ varieties? It’s because no two teas are ever alike, and no one’s taste buds are ever alike.
I don’t think that tea can ever be an exact science. One man’s “BLECH!” is another man’s “MMM.”
Although I’ve gotten in trouble for saying so, I definitely agree "One man’s “BLECH!” is another man’s “MMM.”", but I also think that while different teas of like type (premium sencha for example) should be steeped using the same parameters to amplify the differences. Just my way of thinking of course. It just doesn’t make sense for them to include that pamphlet and then suggest alternative steeping perameters.
I get confused easily lol. And contradictory info DEFINTELY confuses me:)
Hrm. One might be Japanese-style and the other might be Western-style steeping? That’s what it looks like to me!
@teaplz, that’s exactly what I think it is- but I don’t think a company should publish both (especially w/o specifying the difference). It confuses my poor tea-logged brain cells. Don’t get me started on Western style steeping LOL. I’ll stick w/ Japanese style steeping. It never occured to me that the way we drink it here could be different than in their countries of origin. Now that I do, I’m going to strive to steep each type of tea authentically.
4th & 5th infusions combined. 8oz of water steeped for 5 min. Not a whole lot of apple flavor, but definitely a sweet green tea. Dumping the leaves out cuz most of them are so small they’re getting mushy- does anyone else have that problem w/ Den’s Tea?
I placed my first Den’s Tea order and it came really quickly! I ordered the $3 sampler for novices and am really looking forward to broadening my horizons and trying them! My ultimate is to one day try matcha! Have been a little timid and nervous for some reason about Matcha. I figured a great place to start would be Den’s tea sampler to try some Japanese greens!
I actually ordered the apple sencha and pineapple sencha in addition to the sampler pack. The apple sencha specifically for my mom but I took some out of the pack to try. It is great…really taste quality in this. The apple is awesome. Now I can’t wait to break in the pineapple sencha! Really like this, too bad that pouch went home with my Momma! Can’t wait to see what she thinks of it!!
Den’s flavored senchas are amazing. If you want to ease into matcha, try their Mecha.
Thanks I will have to check that out!
Whenever you order, you can also request a sample of anything, just so you can try it out. But I warn you, you’ll probably end up ordering whatever it is! It’s their clever way to draw you in…. :-) (You can’t get sample sizes of matcha, unfortunately)
(Actually, I don’t know that 100%, I’m just betting you can’t get matcha samples… maybe you can??)
You can request samples? Cool! Although I like the suprise of the one they send you.
Yes, the surprise is nice. Actually, I think they sometimes have replaced the surprise with my request, but more often they just included it! :-)
I received my order from Den’s Tea yesterday afternoon, and they were nice and included this tea as a sample (I requested it, but, they still didn’t have to! It was very nice of them to do so!) This is one that I’ve been wanting to try, but, I really wanted to focus on the iced teas with my order since it’s summer … so I’m grateful that they sent me a sample of it.
This is really good! The flavor is sweet and light, like it’s been flavored with apple juice or cider without the spices. It has a very crisp, fresh kind of taste to it.
Very good. I might have to get more of this when the weather gets cooler – it has a very autumnal feel to it.
Jillian sent me a surprise a while back and this was included! Thanks so much! It smells like Apple Jolly Ranchers! The flavor is pretty amazing! It’s squeaky-clean sencha but lovely tart apple! Just enough flavor of each!
YUM!
Den sure does do a great flavored Sencha!
Azzrian there is some in your box!
Had it iced – I think perhaps even better than hot! :-)
Den’s suggests using boiling water for their flavored senchas…I’ve found I enjoy them more a bit lower (maybe 180 – 200?).
Made a quick cup as I’m getting ready to leave the office. Apple-licious…and tastes even better considering I’m about to be off work for 4 days in a row. Sweet!
Merry Christmas and happy holidays everyone!
I’ll be back after the break to post and read about all of the teas we will be getting for Christmas. crosses fingers
It’s a pretty golden green liquor scented lightly with apple, almost as if a smidgeon of apple juice had been added to the tea. The taste is sweet and light with more of an apple flavor than a sencha flavor. Bliss!
Lena sent me this! I can’t wait to try it. Thinking of blending it w/ Adagio’s green bengal chai and a caramel green if I can find one.
It’s very delicate. I’m not certain it will survive survive much blending. (But I’m totally unfamiliar with blending and you seem to be the pro at it.)
I do seem to have a God given gift for creativity in the area of blending tea (and other drinks) and food, but to each his/her own so I’m sure there are plenty of people who would hate my blends (my mom is one of them, she likes everything simple), but I haven’t had anyone that I’ve given a blend to not like it. But you have to like blends. Some people are single flavor drinkers and that’s great. I love single flavor teas, but I also love a good blend.
I’m still thinking this would be ok w/ bengal green chai though, especially considering the low steep time.
True to it’s name with real apple flavoring. Their flavored senchas are really tasty, this is the second one I have had from them. I like the pineapple flavored better, since I love pineapples more than apples. I have had other apple teas where they are more granny smith, this one is more sweet, like a gala or even red delicious. This is the best apple tea I have yet. It’s juicy like. Very nicely done.
If I loved apples, this would be my tea. I really would love to try a coconut or passionfruit tea from them, if they do expand their flavors.
Thank you Shinobicha for a taste of this. :)
Hm really? I think this is smack dab between apple juice and granny smith (jolly rancher granny smith that is).
It’s fuji guys! Really good fuji apples taste just like the apple in this sencha. (Plus, I would venture to guess that fuji applies come from Shizuoka where Mt. Fuji is, but I could be completely wrong on that).
This tea doesn’t seem the worst for wear after being stuck in the back of my cupboard for awhile. It smells quite similar to apple juice or apple cider – from those tart, green, granny smith apples in particular, I think. The tea has a nice, subtle green apple flavout that blends quite well with the grassy sencha base. It yields a nice resteep too and manages to hold onto the apple notes unlike some flavoured teas that only stay flavoured for their first steep.
Nope, no Sencha taste. It’s just like drinking Apple juice tea. I like it though =), it’s refreshing.
You can actually resteep it nearly forever without losing the taste.
hey, 30 seconds is what Den’s recommended! just keeping it real. :)
@Carolyn Good to know! I’ll keep going next time.
@LENA HAHAHA, I didn’t mean to sound like I was doubting you! I should be used to the quick steep times with the Japanese teas but I still must “WAT?” sometimes.
just messing with ya. i always do a double take when the steeping time is in seconds.
Hehe. Thanks for sending it to me though! I enjoyed it – and now I have a much better idea of what to expect when looking at Den’s flavored sencha. It might result in an order of a different flavor.
My favorite is the pineapple sencha. It tastes like buttered pineapple to me.
I have a feeling Den’s flavored Sencha are all like that. I’m tempted to get that pineapple one =D