Matcha and Sencha are both made from green tea however Matcha is grown in the shade and uses the whole leaves made into powder so it is stronger then Sencha, which is grown in full sun.

Matcha powdered tea is stronger and is usually better in the morning as it has more caffeine than coffee, yet many people comment that it is much more calming and you don’t get the jittery feeling that some people feel from coffee. Put a small amount around 1 tsp or more to your liking, into a cup. Add hot water (just under a boil). Then use a chasen bamboo tea tool and whisk vigorously in a zig zag motion until the tea is frothy and enjoy. This Macha powder is also used to make sweets, cookies, ice-cream, as well as beauty products. Masha tea is popular because it has more nutrition in it as the full leaf is dried and grated where as with Sencha or other teas, you lose some of the nutrition when you throw away the old leaves. Macha has more vitamin B6 and beta-carotene while Sencha has more vitamin C and vitamin E.

Sencha has less caffeine so you can drink it later after dinner without worrying about not being able to sleep. This more commonly comes in Leaf form as opposed to powder form. Generally best to use a small amount in a Japanese tea pot. People often brew the tea for too long, for good tea you should brew the first batch for about one minute. Keep the tea in the pot and you can usually get at least 3 brews. The longer you keep it, the longer you brew the tea, about 2 minutes.

Green tea is full of antioxidants, lowers cholesterol, is known to fight cancer, does not raise insulin. It is also known to calm and relax you and is used during meditation.

Having a cup of green tea is proven to keep you healthy. Green tea skin products are also known to be effective. Enjoy your tea in whatever way you like it!