Black Tea (Assam Fully Oxidized) vs. Sencha (Japanese Green Tea)
Comparing 2 standards across 8 specifications. 8 key differences identified.
Assam black tea (Camellia sinensis assamica) is 100% fully oxidized tea leaf from northeast India. Steeping 2.5g in 200ml boiling water (95–100°C) for 3–5 minutes yields a robust, malty liquor with ~45mg caffeine per 100ml, theaflavins, and thearubigins.
Sencha is unshaded, steamed green tea leaf (Camellia sinensis). Steeping 3g in 150ml water at 70–75°C for 60 seconds delivers a refreshing, grassy liquor with ~30mg caffeine per 100ml and rich EGCG catechins.
Specification Comparison Table
8 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Product Class
|
Fully Oxidized Leaf Infusion (100% Oxidation) | Steamed Unoxidized Infusion (0% Oxidation) |
|
Standard Brew Ratio (Leaf : Water)
|
2.5g leaf in 200ml water (1 : 80) | 3.0g leaf in 150ml water (1 : 50) |
|
Brewing Water Temperature
|
95 – 100°C (203 – 212°F / Full Boil) | 70 – 75°C (158 – 167°F) |
|
Steeping Duration
|
3 – 5 Minutes | 60 Seconds (1st infusion), 30s (2nd infusion) |
|
Oxidation Level
|
100% (Complete enzymatic polyphenol oxidation) | 0% (Steam-inactivated polyphenol oxidase) |
|
Caffeine Content (per 100ml)
|
~40 – 50 mg (200ml cup = ~80–100mg caffeine) mg | ~20 – 30 mg mg |
|
Theaflavin & Thearubigin Content
|
~80 – 120 mg per cup (Gives deep red color and brisk astringency) mg | — |
|
EGCG Catechin Content
|
— | ~50 – 70 mg per 150ml cup mg |