Rich & Mellow
Saemidori「さえみどり」- Premium Sencha from Kagoshima Japan 50g
Saemidori「さえみどり」- Premium Sencha from Kagoshima Japan 50g
A dose of sunshine
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Kagoshima Fukamushi (Deep steamed) Sencha: A Blissful Cup Woven from the Blessings of Sun and earth
- Origin: Kagoshima prefecture
- Harvest Season: 2025 April
- Cultivar: Saemidori
- Steam: Deep steam
- Shading: around 7 days
- Net Weight: 50g
Taste Map Graphic:
- Umami: ■■■■□ (4/5)
- Sweetness: ■■■■■ (4/5)
- Astringency: ■□□□□ (1/5)
- Aroma: ■■■□□ (3/5)
- Body: ■■■■□ (4/5)
The Taste of Sunshine
At ShiZen Tea, we travel across Japan to find exceptional teas and share their stories. We are honored to introduce you to a special Saemidori we discovered in the sun-blessed region of Kagoshima.
Kagoshima is a region at the southern tip of Japan, a place of immense natural energy. When we visited, we were struck by the power of the landscape. The active volcano, Sakurajima, stands as a symbol of the region, and its past eruptions have blessed the land with a unique soil called "Shirasu."
This soil is light and drains water exceptionally well, which is ideal for growing healthy tea. This, combined with the region’s famously bright and abundant sunshine, creates teas with a distinctly cheerful and vibrant character. It is this sun-filled energy that we wanted to capture and bring to you.
The name of this tea variety is "Saemidori," which translates to "vivid green" in Japanese. The name is no exaggeration; the moment you brew it, you'll be greeted by a stunningly beautiful green color.
When we first tasted this particular Saemidori from Kagoshima, we knew it was something special. It possesses a remarkable natural sweetness and a deep, savory flavor known as umami, with almost none of the bitterness sometimes found in green tea.
It also has a signature "grassy" note. To us, this is not an overpowering flavor, but a wonderfully refreshing and clean aroma. It reminds us of a lush, green field, and it brings a sense of clarity and calm.
The farmer who grows this tea uses a method called "Fukamushi," or "deep-steaming," to bring out the very best of the Saemidori leaves. This technique involves steaming the leaves for a little longer than is standard.
The farmer explained to us that this is a difficult process requiring great skill and intuition. A little too long, and the delicate flavor is lost. But when done perfectly, the deep steaming softens the leaves, releasing their full, rich umami and creating a beautifully smooth texture. We were impressed by this commitment to a difficult, traditional method to achieve the ideal taste.
At ShiZen Tea, our purpose is to be a bridge between the hardworking farmers of Japan and tea lovers like you around the world.
With this Saemidori, we hope to deliver more than just a delicious tea. We want to share the feeling of the warm Kagoshima sun and the honest, straightforward energy of the land where it was grown.
We hope it brings a moment of brightness to your day. Thank you for letting us share its story.




The story of its terroir, taste, and tradition
The Tea's Résumé
The Terroir of Kagoshima
The Alchemy of Kagoshima: Turning Challenge into Character
At ShiZen Tea, we travel across Japan to find exceptional teas and share their stories. We are honored to introduce you to a special Saemidori we discovered in the sun-blessed region of Kagoshima.
A Land of Blessings and Trials
Kagoshima is a region at the southern tip of Japan, a place of immense natural energy. When we visited, we were struck by the power of the landscape. The active volcano, Sakurajima, stands as a symbol of the region, and its past eruptions have blessed the land with a unique soil called "Shirasu."
This soil is light and drains water exceptionally well, which is ideal for growing healthy tea. This, combined with the region’s famously bright and abundant sunshine, creates teas with a distinctly cheerful and vibrant character. It is this sun-filled energy that we wanted to capture and bring to you.
However, Kagoshima is not simply a paradise. It is a land that demands growers to deeply understand the characteristics of nature, to constantly engage with it, and to apply their ingenuity. The very soil that drains so well struggles to retain nutrients, and the volcano that enriches the earth sometimes covers the fields in ash. Furthermore, in the mountainous areas and basins, the rivers and topography frequently generate a deep mist. This mist acts as a natural veil, gently shielding the tea leaves from the harsh sun. As the sunlight softens, the tea’s astringency is suppressed, and its rich umami components are slowly nurtured.
Answering Nature with a Quiet Wisdom
What impresses us most when we speak with the growers in Kagoshima is their powerful attitude of overcoming these challenges with wisdom and skill, turning them into unique strengths.
This philosophy is perfectly embodied in the story of "Yutakamidori," a variety that is now famous as a representative of Kagoshima. This variety was once poorly regarded in other regions, dismissed for being "too astringent". The growers of Kagoshima, however, saw its other possibilities. Through persistent research into their own unique techniques—such as covering the tea plants before harvest and employing a deep-steaming method—they transformed what was once considered a "flaw" into a rich, full-bodied sweetness.
This attitude of believing in the value of an overlooked characteristic and maximizing its appeal through technique is a common thread that also runs through their history of boldly shifting from black tea to green tea in a time of crisis, and their technological innovations to overcome the difficulties of volcanic ash.
They do not simply obey or fight against nature; they understand it, engage with it, and coexist. And this dedicated philosophy is deeply alive in the "Saemidori" variety we have chosen for you.
We feel compelled to bring this Kagoshima tea to you because we believe its flavor is infused with the sincere and earnest spirit of its growers.
About cultivar 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 Science Behind its Superior Flavor
The appeal of 'Saemidori' goes beyond its beautiful appearance. Its delicious flavor is backed by science.
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Rich Umami and Sweetness It contains a particularly high amount of amino acids like "Theanine" and "Arginine," which are responsible for the tea's savory umami flavor. This creates a rich, mellow, and expansive taste.
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A Clean, Smooth Finish At the same time, it has a lower content of the catechins (specifically gallate-type catechins) that cause the unique "astringency" of green tea. This results in a clean finish with no harsh bitterness.
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Functional Benefits Recent studies have found that Saemidori contains about 2.5 times more "quercetin glycosides" than 'Yabukita'. This is a type of polyphenol known for its health benefits.
In short, 'Saemidori' is a near-perfect tea, rich in flavor and sweetness, low in astringency, and full of beneficial compounds.
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 umami to develop slowly and deeply.
The unique terroir of Kagoshima maximizes the potential of the 'Saemidori' variety, creating a vivid green color and a deep, clear flavor that cannot be found anywhere else.
Detailed taste profile
The Flavor Profile: A Taste of the Sun-Drenched Meadow
The flavor of this tea evokes a vast, green meadow, bathed in brilliant sunshine. It is active, joyful, and full of a positive energy that brightens the spirit of the drinker.
Aroma
As you bring the teacup close, a crisp, clean aroma of freshly cut young grass rises to greet you. Beneath it lies a subtle sweetness, reminiscent of freshly steamed green peas. It is a scent that is vibrant, cheerful, and full of life.
Flavor
The first sip feels like a direct infusion of the sun and the earth. A deep and rich green umami generously fills the palate, with no trace of harshness or astringency. The rich flavor passes smoothly down the throat, leaving a surprisingly refreshing sensation.
Finish
The pleasant experience continues long after you've finished. A delicate, sweet aftertaste lingers on the tongue, and a gentle, grassy aroma softly escapes through the nose, leaving you with a feeling of bright contentment and clarity.
How to brew
▼ How to Brew
This is our recommended method for a single serving, designed to fully draw out the vibrant umami and vivid green color that this tea possesses. A little care can make a surprising difference in the taste. Please, take a moment to try it.
First Infusion:
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Tea Amount: 3g (approx. 1 heaping tsp)
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Water: 100ml (3.4 fl oz)
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Temperature: 70°C (158°F)
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Steeping Time: 60 seconds
Steps
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First, pour hot water into the kyusu (teapot) and teacup to warm them. The water poured into the cup can then be used, as it will have cooled to approximately 70°C.
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Empty the hot water from the warmed kyusu and place the tea leaves inside.
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Gently pour the cooled water into the kyusu and wait for 60 seconds as the leaves slowly unfurl.
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Pour into the teacup, making sure to get the final drop. This last drop contains the most concentrated umami.
Pro Tip
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For the second infusion, you can use slightly hotter water (around 80°C / 176°F) and a much shorter steeping time of about 10 seconds. You will discover a different character, with a refreshing astringency and aroma.
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You can enjoy this tea for up to three delicious infusions. Please notice how the delicate flavor profile evolves with each steep.
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To fully appreciate the vibrant green liquor of Saemidori, we recommend using a white porcelain teacup.
FAQ
Q. How soon will my order be shipped?
A. We typically ship orders within 2-3 business days. In the rare event that an item is out of stock, it may take longer. If that happens, we will contact you directly to discuss the options.
Q. What is your return policy?
A. Due to the perishable nature of our products and for international shipping reasons, we generally cannot accept returns. However, we take the utmost care in ensuring the quality of our tea. If you feel the quality has been compromised in any way, please contact us. We will be happy to send you a replacement.
Q. Is this tea organic?
A. This tea is not certified organic. However, it is crafted in compliance with Japan's rigorous standards for pesticide use. It is a product that is safely enjoyed throughout Japan, with no reported health issues, ensuring it is both safe and of high quality.
Q. Will I have to pay customs and import taxes?
A. Please be aware that customs duties or import taxes may be charged depending on the regulations of your country. Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. We recommend contacting your local customs authority for details.
Q. Can I track my order?
A. Yes, tracking is available for all orders. Once your order has been shipped, you will receive a confirmation email containing your tracking number and a link to track your package.
Q. How much caffeine does this tea contain?
A. Yes, like all green tea, this sencha contains caffeine. It has approximately 30mg per cup, which is about one-third of the amount in a typical cup of coffee. It is also rich in L-theanine, an amino acid known for its calming and focusing effects, which provides a state of smooth, alert relaxation.
Q. How should I store the tea?
A. To maintain its quality and freshness, please store your tea in a cool, dark place, away from high temperatures, humidity, and direct sunlight. Ensure the package is sealed tightly after each use. We recommend consuming the tea promptly after opening to enjoy its best aroma and flavor. Usually, matcha/secha's aroma and flavor will go down from 2 to 3 weeks.
Q. What payment methods do you accept?
A. We accept all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) as well as PayPal.