Uji Hikari is a rare and highly prized tea cultivar from Uji, Kyoto, exclusively used for producing the highest grades of shaded teas like gyokuro and ceremonial matcha. Its name, meaning "Light of Uji," refers to its role as a shining example of Uji's tea heritage.
History and Origin
- Breeder: Selected from a native "zairai" tea plant.
- Origin Location: Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan.
- Selected: 1954, by the Kyoto Prefecture Tea Industry Research Institute.
Uji Hikari is a traditional Uji cultivar, selected for its exceptional qualities when grown under shade. Despite its long history and esteemed reputation, it remains an unregistered cultivar, adding to its mystique. It is considered one of the classic "Uji cultivars" alongside others like Asahi and Gokou.
Cultivation Characteristics
- Exclusively for Shaded Tea: Uji Hikari is grown specifically to be shaded. The shading process develops its characteristic aroma and deep umami flavor.
- Low Yield: It is a lower-yielding plant compared to more common cultivars like Yabukita, which makes it rarer and more expensive.
- Appearance: The leaves are small, thin, and shiny with a distinctive wavy pattern. The plant has an upright shape, which is well-suited for hand-harvesting.
Flavor Profile of Uji Hikari Matcha
Uji Hikari produces a matcha with a powerful, sophisticated, and deeply savory flavor profile.
- Aroma: A captivatingly sweet and savory fragrance known as "Ooika" (覆い香), or "aroma of the shadows," which is a hallmark of high-quality shaded teas.
- Taste: A strong and immediate umami is the defining characteristic, balanced by a significant natural sweetness and very little bitterness. It has a bright, creamy, and refined flavor with notes of seaweed and a dew-sweet freshness.
- Color: A brilliant, vibrant green.
- Mouthfeel: Smooth, full-bodied, and creamy with a long, satisfying finish.
Use in Matcha Production
Uji Hikari is a key component in many award-winning, high-end matcha products.
- As a Blend Component: It is often the foundational component in a master blender's top-tier ceremonial matcha blends. Its powerful umami and aroma provide a strong, high-quality base.
- As a Single-Origin: While rare due to its primary use in blends, single-origin Uji Hikari matcha is sometimes offered by specialty vendors. It provides a chance to taste the pure, unadulterated "Light of Uji."
- For Koicha: Its deep umami and lack of bitterness make it an excellent choice for preparing koicha (thick tea).
Summary
The Uji Hikari cultivar is a rare gem from the heart of Japan's most famous tea region. It is a challenging and low-yielding plant, but it rewards the skilled farmer with leaves that produce a matcha of unparalleled quality. With its powerful umami, captivating aroma, and creamy texture, Uji Hikari represents the pinnacle of ceremonial matcha production and is a true "light of Uji."