About Saemidori - Kagoshima Saemidori
The Green Thoroughbred: An Introduction to Saemidori
Before we introduce Saemidori, please allow us to share a little about the landscape of Japanese green tea. While there are many tea varieties cultivated in Japan today, the vast majority of the cultivation area is dominated by a single variety called 'Yabukita'. The reality is that many tea-producing regions rely heavily on this one cultivar.
The Birth of a 'Green Thoroughbred'
It is against this backdrop that 'Saemidori' was born as an elite variety, a true "thoroughbred" of the Japanese tea world. Its parents are two of Japan's most celebrated cultivars. One is the "king," 'Yabukita,' known for its balanced flavor and resilience. The other is the "queen," 'Asatsuyu,' which is praised for its remarkable sweetness and vibrant green color, earning it the nickname "Natural Gyokuro."
In 1969, at a national research institute in Kagoshima, these two varieties were crossbred with a clear purpose: to combine the best traits of each. After more than two decades of careful selection, 'Saemidori' was finally born. Its name, meaning "vivid green," comes from the breathtakingly bright green color of the tea when brewed.
The Character of the Cultivar
The appeal of 'Saemidori' goes beyond its beautiful appearance.
Rich umami and sweetness. Saemidori contains a particularly high amount of amino acids such as theanine and arginine, which are responsible for the savory umami flavor of green tea. This creates a rich, mellow, and expansive taste in the cup.
A clean, smooth finish. At the same time, it has a lower content of the catechins (specifically gallate-type catechins) that cause the strong astringency sometimes found in green tea. The result is a clean finish without harsh bitterness.
A vivid green liquor. True to its name, the brewed cup shows a bright, vivid green that is one of the visual signatures of this cultivar.
In short, Saemidori is a sencha cultivar that brings together strong umami, gentle sweetness, low astringency, and a vivid green color in a single cup.
A Perfect Match: Why Kagoshima's Saemidori is Special
While the cultivation of 'Saemidori' has begun to spread across Japan, there is a clear reason we are so particular about offering it from Kagoshima.
First, 'Saemidori' was originally bred in Kagoshima. In a sense, it is an elite cultivar that has returned to its "hometown" — a place its genetics are perfectly suited for. The brilliant Kagoshima sun nurtures a powerful umami and richness in the tea leaves. Furthermore, as we mentioned in our story, the deep mist generated by the rivers acts as a natural veil, shielding the leaves from excessive sun, suppressing astringency, and allowing the umami to develop slowly and deeply.
The unique terroir of Kagoshima draws out the character of the Saemidori cultivar, creating a vivid green color and a deep, clear flavor that is hard to find elsewhere.