Collection: Fukamushi-Sencha

For Fukamushi-Sencha, the tea leaves are steamed two or three times longer than standard Sencha (fuka meaning "deeply" and mushi meaning "steamed", 深蒸し.) The extra steaming breaks down the fibers further, resulting in a leaf shape that is coarser than regular Sencha. This produces an easy-brewing tea with a darker color and milder flavor. 

Several decades ago, before Fukamushi-Sencha was distributed, people in Japan only sipped regular Sencha. They appreciated the shape of the long leaves resembling needles, the umami flavor, slight bitterness, and the golden cup color. When Fukamushi-Sencha arrived on the scene, they were surprised at its milder flavor and fuller body. The grassier taste had lessened but, somewhat ironically, the brewed infusion looked dark and strong. People enjoy both Sencha and Fukamushi-Sencha though it is probably fair to say that, in North America, most have heard of the former and few have heard of the latter.