How to choose quality green tea when you buying Sencha & Fukamushi Sencha (Deep steamed green tea) by appearance.
The quality of the tea leaf absolutely influences the taste. It is not good idea to depends on the price only. The quality tea tends to pricey but also it should be fresh and treated properly while production.
Below are tips for measuring the quality of sencha green tea by appearance.
If you can see the tea leaf closely or at least images of the tea leaf, there are few points to indicate the quality.
Shape
This is one of the important factor to indicate the quality. It tells you how the tea sorted out and treated during the processing. Good quality sencha is thin like needle and twisted. Deep steamed green tea (Fukamushi sencha) leaves are often partly broken because of the steaming time is longer than normal sencha. But you will still see some parts are twisted well.
Color
Color of the tea leaves are glossy and deep green. If it is yellowish green, it means tea leaves are exposed to the air (oxidized) or lower grade tea.
Brightness
Shiny and glossy leaves indicate the freshness.
Hope these tips helps you when you choosing green tea.
