What is Saemidori (さえみどり)?
If you’re a tea lover, you know how a good cup of tea can change your entire mood and relax your mind. Japanese tea has a wide range of varieties, and each one of them is known for its distinct features and taste. One such Japanese tea is known as Saemidori(さえみどり). In this blog, we’ll unleash everything you need to know regarding Saemidori.
Let’s see what this little cultivar has in store for us.
What is Saemidori?
The literal meaning of Saemidori is “clear green” because of the bright green liquor it produces. This cultivar exhibits lower levels of astringency, and that is why it can be referred to as a high-quality green tea. Saemidori is also known as the “natural tea sweetener,” and due to its sweetness, it can also be utilized for Matcha and Gyokuro.
In the early years of its production, Saemidori didn’t grab much attention from the Japanese people. Still, as more farmers are beginning to cultivate it, it is getting more popular in Japan. But still, there is a long way to go. To provide high yields, Saemidori is usually cultivated in warm cultivates. That is why you’ll see high production in the Kyushu region of Southern Japan, especially in the Kagoshima Prefecture. However, it can also be cultivated in Tokai, Shikoku, and Kinki.
History of Saemidori
Asatsuyu is another Japanese cultivar that is considered to be the highest quality cultivar in all of Japan. However, its harvesting quantity is quite low, which prevents people from fully enjoying its taste and flavor. To compensate for this low yield level, in 1969, Asatsuyu was crossed with Yabukita, and this cross gave us Saemidori. Saemidori can be cultivated 4-7 days before Yabukita.
It was in 1990 when Saemidori was fully registered as a solo Japanese cultivar and acquired the cultivar number 40. It was primarily meant for the production of Sencha. But now, it is not only being used for Matcha but also Gyokuro and fukamushicha.
Characteristics of Saemidori
The brewed Saemidori has a very exotic taste, aroma, and flavor. It has a very high content of amino acids, which possesses a wide range of health benefits. The yield of Saemidori is quite similar to Yabukita, but when crossed with Asatsuyu, the figure generally goes up.
Saemidori grows best under warm climates and full exposure to the sun. It can also be grown in colder regions, but farmers need to take special measures to acquire the same yield. Saemidori possesses a strong resistance to cold and various other diseases and pests such as anthracnose.
Saemidori is an early-budding cultivar and needs the full attention of the farmers before its harvesting period begins. To cultivate Saemidori, the farmers also need to consider the wind factor. The leaves of the young Saemidori plants can be blown away quite easily, which can prove to be a hindrance in their growth. Therefore, the farmers need to take proper precautionary measures to acquire higher growth and yield.
If we compare Saemidori with Asatsuyu and Yabukita in terms of a drink, the cross has proved to be quite successful. If you’re a Japanese tea lover, Saemidori is worth a try.
What does Saemidori taste like?
Saemidori is quite rich in taste and flavor. When you take the first sip of this tea, you’ll get a burst of flavors in your mouth. The flavor of Saemidori is deeply savory, with a few notes of tropical fruit and a tinge of vanilla. The taste of Saemidori is deliciously sweet because of its young leaves containing a higher number of amino acids, not the sweetness of highly roasted teas.
Each cup of Saemidori hits different because of its perfect balance of astringency, fruity flavor, and grassy notes. The umami taste of this tea is highly well-balanced, and it contains an aroma closer to fresh grass with notes of bright citrus and bright melon. All in all, drinking Saemidori fills your body with a refreshing sensation, and it always makes you want to come back for more.
Conclusion
Saemidori is a Japanese tea cultivar that is quite powerful, rich in taste, and provides a high yield. This cross of Asatsuyu and Yabukita is getting quite famous in the various regions of Japan, and it will take no time to make its mark in the entire world. So, if you want something that gives your palate absolute pleasure, the Saemidori cultivar is the one.
Saemidori — Frequently Asked Questions
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About the author
Kei Nishida
Author, CEO Dream of Japan
Certification: PMP, BS in Computer Science
Education: Western Washington University