Ito En introduces Shincha green tea to U.S. beverage market
Ready-to-drink tea available online, at select retailers for limited time
Ito En North America Inc., Brooklyn, N.Y., a subsidiary of Ito En Ltd., will debut bottled Shincha green tea in the United States. Shincha is the year’s very first harvest of green tea, which is known for its fresh and lively flavor, sweet finish, and smooth umami character, the company says. The company plans to bottle the tea, which is only accessible for a few months each year, under its Oi Ocha green tea brand and release it online and at select U.S. retailers for a limited time.
In Japanese, "shin" means new, and "cha" means tea, the company notes. Shincha's character derives from its harvest starting in early April, when young green tea leaves contain naturally higher concentrations of nutrients and vibrant flavors as a result of wintertime dormancy, it explains. Fresh Shincha leaves are distinct from latter-harvested green teas, with a subtle sweetness attributed to its higher content of the amino acid L-theanine and lower caffeine content, it adds. The leaves also are higher in vitamin C and catechin antioxidants than regular green tea, it says.