About Saemidori

The Saemidori tea variety occupies a special place in the mysterious interplay of light and shadow that permeates Japanese tea culture. Its name, which translates as "bright green", aptly describes the delicate radiance of its leaves, which turn a luminous emerald shade when brewed. Saemidori is a hybrid tea plant variety, the result of careful breeding with the parent plants Asatsuyu and Yabukita. Thanks to this parentage, it combines the delicacy and mildness of Asatsuyu with the resilience and adaptability of Yabukita.

From the very first encounter with Saemidori, the soft shimmer of the leaves, which impress with their brightness and freshness, is impressive. The cultivation of this variety requires patience and dedication, as it is somewhat more sensitive by nature and is mainly cultivated in the southern regions of Japan, in prefectures such as Kagoshima or Miyazaki. The climatic conditions and the mineral-rich volcanic soil in these areas provide the ideal conditions for this demanding plant to thrive.

The harvesting process of Saemidori resembles a ritual act in which the time of picking reflects a harmonious balance between youth and maturity. This variety is often used for high-quality Gyokuro or Sencha, with the first young shoots being harvested in May in particular. After harvesting, the leaves are gently steamed, rolled and dried, a technique that preserves the delicate, spring-like character of the tea.

In the cup, Saemidori is characterized by its bright green color and almost ethereal clarity. The aroma is mild but complex, with hints of fresh grass and delicate floral notes reminiscent of a garden in full bloom in the morning dew. The taste develops a natural sweetness and a subtle umami depth that caresses the senses and stimulates the imagination.

The enjoyment of Saemidori also has a physical dimension that goes beyond mere tasting. The precious drops not only invigorate the palate, but also create a meditative moment of contemplation and tranquillity. This special type of tea is a reflection of the Japanese philosophy of finding beauty in simplicity and losing oneself in the origin of the moment. It is not so much a drink as an experience that reflects the way of life in harmony with nature - constant, changeable and full of grace.

For the connoisseur and lover, Saemidori is an invitation to share for a brief moment in the infinite harmony and transience of tea, a journey through the colorful landscape of Japanese tea culture. Each cup of Saemidori reveals a silent work of art, a tribute to the pure and unfathomable green of an early morning light in the land of the rising sun.