Sencha Makizono
Saemidori Organic

Contest Grade 98 P.

SKU
1563-bio
A high-quality organic sencha from Nishi Seicha, grown in the top terroir of Makizono in Kagoshima, Japan’s southernmost prefecture. Rare saemidori cultivar, first harvest, shaded for 7 days. 100g
 
Details Rare and umami-rich cultivar: saemidori. We rate this as one of the best sencha in Japan
Character Full umami, rich in chlorophyll, sweet and yet pleasantly bitter, elegant, balanced: the best of saemidori
Tea Farm Nishi Seicha, one of Japan's leading organic tea farms. Family business in its 3rd generation.
Terroir Makizono, Kagoshima (prefecture), Japan
Harvest 1st (Ichibancha), mid-April 2024
Cultivar Saemidori
Elevation 180-250m above sea level
Steaming Medium (chumushi, 30 seconds)
Shading Briefly shaded for approximately 7 days. Shading technique: jikagise
Cultivation EU Organic and JAS Certified, since 2000
Laboratory Tests Radioactivity (region last tested 09/2024) and pesticides
Grade 98/100 P. (Sencha category); Contest Grade

 

Note: We have raised this tea by one point to 98. p. due to the excellent 2024 harvest. Some packages may still show the old information.

€21.90
100g

Delivery : 1–3 business days

Incl. VAT, excl. shipping

SKU
1563-bio
€219.00 / 1kg
In stock

Tea Farm

Nishi Seicha is one of the largest and most renowned family-owned farms in southern Kyushu. The fields are surrounded by forests and hills in picturesque Makizono, Kirishima, a region benefitting from abundant morning dew and an ideal climate for tea cultivation. Under the leadership of tea legend Toshimi Nishi, the farm’s organic green teas flourish in the region’s nutrient-rich volcanic soil. Mr. Nishi's influence extends far beyond his own fields, with tea farmers hundreds of kilometers away looking up to Mr. Nishi as a role model.

Following the tragic loss of his father in an accident, Mr. Nishi suddenly had to take full responsibility of managing the family’s vast farm, one that was burdened with significant debt at the time. While many might have given up in the face of such adversity, Mr. Nishi persevered with tireless dedication, growing into the role of leader of one of Japan's largest, greatest farms. Today, not only does the farm have its own fields, but it also plays a vital role in supporting neighboring organic farmers. The exceptional quality of Mr. Nishi's teas is the result of his unique experience and his keen oversight of the fields using all of his senses, as well as the use of state-of-the-art machinery for processing and quality control.

Character & Aroma

Tasting Notes

The rare saemidori cultivar is often used for producing gyokuro and lends this sencha a rich umami flavour, as well as a refined sweetness. The tea field is shaded for 7 days prior to harvest to further bring out these characteristics of saemidori. The ideal growing conditions coupled with the tea farmer's expertise lead to an impressive sencha that is full-bodied, rich in chlorophyll, and elegant in taste.

Leaf

Very delicate, silky and vibrant dark green needles

Cup

Clear and bright green

SENCHA

Sencha is by far the most commonly cultivated and consumed green tea in Japan and constitutes the backbone of Japanese tea traditions. The leaves are typically steamed for 10-60 seconds, dried with hot air, churned, and via a multi-staged process rolled into flat needles. The flavour profile of sencha is very diverse and varies between sweet, fresh and grassy to robustly bitter. The region of cultivation as well as quality of the tea play a significant role in determining flavour.

Laboratory Tests

We go to great lengths to identify the finest organic tea farms across the world’s most celebrated terroirs. All our teas are sourced directly from the farmer and, with a few exceptions, are certified organic or come from pesticide-free farms. Each batch of tea for every harvest is tested for pesticides and other pollutants in an independent German lab to ensure they meet our strict quality standards as well as HACCP food safety requirements. Likewise, all the regions of Japan from which we source our teas are tested for radioactivity for every harvest.

Yoshi En

Premium Organic Teas

Our comprehensive portfolio focuses on organic, single-origin teas sourced directly from renowned farms. We believe in creating partnerships with farmers who share our values and are committed to sustainable, responsible tea cultivation. Thanks to these strong relationships our exciting range is constantly growing and evolving. As an international team of dedicated and passionate tea experts, we are committed to preserving centuries-old tea culture while ensuring it remains relevant and continues to bring joy in the present. About Yoshi En.

Cultivation & Processing

The tea field is located in the top terroir of Makizono in a protected valley approximately 180-250m above sea level in the mountains of idyllic Kirishima in Kagoshima, the southernmost prefecture of Japan. The combination of the mild, subtropical Kagoshima climate and the colder mountainous terrain of Makizono provide the perfect bracing climate for the cultivation of this refined green tea. The dark koruboku / Andosol (volcanic) soil is nutritious and rich in humus with a large proportion of mineral volcanic ash. The tea field has been certified organic since 1994. Only the buds and first 2 leaves are machine-harvested for the production of this tea.

Single Origin

This tea is exclusively sourced from the above mentioned tea farm in Makizono. Sourced directly from the tea farmer.

 

Organic Certification

Preparation

Brewing Guide

2 heaped tsp per 100-300ml (50-60°C) water. Steep for 2 minutes. Suitable for several infusions.

Packaging

High quality, airtight, resealable standing zipper pouch with 9 protective layers to preserve flavour and protect against oxidation and contamination.

Recommended Teapot

The ideal teapot for teas made from saemidori is a violet banko kyusu with a fine ceramic sieve, which can best bring out the taste of the fine amino acids. Alternatively, a red or black tokoname kyusu can be used. The former is best for sencha while the latter serves as a suitable all-rounder for green tees.

Recommended Storage

Ideally store in a quality tea caddy made from cherry tree bark (wooden, kabazaiku chazutsu) or an airtight, double-coated metal tin.

Test results

We find it very important that our teas are pure and produced in a way that respects the environment. For this reason, each one of our teas is tested for pesticide residues by an independent laboratory, the results of which can be found here. Some of our teas are also tested for specific nutritional compounds, in which case the test results are also published here.

See tests

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