About This Tea

Saemidori is a hybrid variety created by crossbreeding Yabukita and Asatsuyu cultivars. It matures four to seven days earlier than Yabukita, making it ideal for early spring tea. Saemidori was developed in the Kagoshima Prefecture of Kyushu Island, Japan, and was registered as a Japanese tea variety in 1990.

Saemidori boasts a vibrant, clear green appearance, a refined aroma, and a flavor that is rich in umami with minimal bitterness. It is usually the first cultivar to be harvested in springtime and is sought after as an early-harvesting tea variety. Its name, Saemidori (冴緑), comes from the vivid green color of its leaves—particularly the fresh, bright green hue of its new growth shoots during the first flush.

The Nishi family produces special batches of first flush spring teas for Rishi Tea. Each year, we save a few spectacular single-cultivar tencha batches for aging before stone-milling into organic matcha. Aging tencha in cold storage for one or more years before stone milling enhances the overall richness and depth of umami and cultivar characteristics.

This aging process allows sharp and brisk flavors to become more round and mellow, creating a smoother, creamier taste in the final matcha. Aged matcha is for connoisseurs—those who value flavor, tradition, and terroir. To fully appreciate its natural qualities, enjoy this matcha without milk or sugar.

Origin

Nishi-san’s Garden, Kirishima Mountain, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan

Cultivar

Saemidori 冴緑

Harvest

Tencha Harvest: May 22, 2022 | Stone Milled: April 2025

Elevation

380 meters

Ingredients

Organic green tea