What is shincha ?

新　shin = new
茶　cha = tea

April and May are the most exciting times of the year for Japanese green tea. It’s the first harvest of tea, and goes by many names: first flush, shincha, new tea, ichibancha.

No matter what name, however, the meaning refers to when the first buds of the season are picked and turned into delicious, fresh tea. The frenzy around shincha isn’t just about the newest of the new, however. It’s also a celebration of another year of successful harvest.

In Kyushu, shincha season represents the convergence of tradition and agriculture, a delightful mix of the old and the new. There are superstitions and special dates that have been passed down through generations, such as Hachijuhachi (88th Day).

This is a moveable feast set on the 88th day after the start of spring by the Chinese calendar, called risshun. It is said to be the best and most auspicious time for harvest. Many areas host festivals and other celebrations in recognition of its importance.

In terms of the tea product itself, shincha can refer to two things:

1) A specially produced first flush tea called “shincha,” a sencha-esque lightly steamed tea that is released as soon as harvest begins. It is only available for a short while after the start of picking season. It may also be called 初摘み(hatsuzumi, first pick) or 走り茶 (hashiricha, early tea), referring to how fast and early it is available. 

2) First flush tea or ichibancha made from the first harvest leaves. This difference is based on time and terminology. For example, our producer Koga san sent us her 2023 specialty Shincha in the middle of April, but will be sending shincha, aka ichibancha, of existing tea types (Minako, for example) later in May. 

Both are made from the first tender leaves picked in the first harvest. Shincha is highly sought for its taste and exclusivity. It is said to be higher in amino acids and theanine than second-harvest tea.

The reasoning is that these new buds have a longer time to accumulate nutrients over the winter as they slowly grow. Shincha is prized for its rich umami, sweet flavor, and a powerful green color. If you haven't tasted it yet, have a try and enjoy this very short tasting experience :