Aged Sencha

[Tead Off]

The general opinion of sencha going off quickly is commonly held once the package is opened. But what are people's experience with sencha that remains in its unopened bag, not vacuum packed?

I ask this because I had an interesting tea experience this afternoon. A friend gave me an unopened bag of sencha. I don't know from where, but, bought in Japan in 2001. I cut the bag open and expected the worst and was greeted by leaf that looked good and smelled wonderful, like dried apricots. I quickly brewed some and was very pleased with the flavor and aroma of this tea. In fact, it could vie for top honors in my sencha world. Powerful flavor and finish.

Has anyone else had a similar experience?

[JBaymore]

I've been known to "get ahead of myself" a bit when returning from Japan with lots of tea,...... and somtimes well later I find a bag that is quite old before I use it (who is getting old and forgetful?????). Somehow it gets "lost" in the pantry area...... and turns up when I least expect it .

And I have had just about the same experience as you describe.

best,

.................john

[Chip]

Like anything else in the realm of tea, no guarantees one way or the other. It can improve or it can just become tired. Sometimes it is sweeter but also milder ... it is not going to get more intense.

I have experienced improvement with a few Chinese greens as well, though that was only year old tea and well cared for.