Saemidori is a premium Japanese tea cultivar celebrated for its brilliant green color, low bitterness, and exceptionally rich umami flavor. Its name translates to "clear green," a direct reference to the vibrant, lustrous liquor it produces.
History and Origin
- Breeder: Kagoshima Prefectural Tea Experiment Station
- Parentage: A cross between Yabukita and Asatsuyu.
- Registered: 1990 (as Tea Cultivar No. 40)
Developed in 1969, Saemidori inherits the best qualities of its parents: the reliable yield and balanced flavor of Yabukita, and the intense sweetness and umami of Asatsuyu (a cultivar sometimes called "natural gyokuro"). While originally intended for sencha, its outstanding characteristics have made it a favorite for producing high-end, shaded teas like gyokuro and ceremonial-grade matcha.
Cultivation Characteristics
- Early Budding: Saemidori is an early-sprouting cultivar, typically harvested 4-7 days before Yabukita.
- Climate: It thrives in warmer climates, making it particularly well-suited to southern regions like Kagoshima.
- Vulnerabilities: As an early-budding variety, it is susceptible to frost damage. It also has a weaker resistance to certain diseases like ring spot.
Flavor Profile of Saemidori Matcha
Saemidori is prized by matcha connoisseurs for its luxurious and approachable flavor profile.
- Aroma: A refreshing, grassy, and slightly sweet fragrance.
- Taste: A powerful and sweet umami is the dominant characteristic, with very little astringency or bitterness. It has a smooth, creamy, and deeply savory flavor, with some tasting notes of tropical fruit or vanilla.
- Color: True to its name, it produces a stunningly clear and vivid emerald green matcha.
- Mouthfeel: Exceptionally smooth and full-bodied with a clean, sweet finish.
Use in Matcha Production
Saemidori is a top choice for producing high-grade ceremonial matcha, especially single-origin products.
- As a Single-Origin: Its naturally sweet, umami-rich, and non-bitter profile makes it perfect for single-cultivar ceremonial matcha. It provides a complete and luxurious taste experience without needing to be blended.
- For Usucha: It is an excellent choice for usucha (thin tea), where its vibrant color and smooth, sweet flavor can be fully appreciated.
- For Premium Lattes: While it can be used for lattes, its delicate and nuanced flavors are best experienced on their own.
Summary
The Saemidori cultivar is a jewel in the world of matcha. Its combination of a brilliant green color, powerful umami, and distinct lack of bitterness makes it one of the most sought-after cultivars for producing a smooth, sweet, and deeply satisfying ceremonial matcha. It is an ideal choice for those who want to experience the rich, savory side of matcha without any harshness.