- Description
Uejima Saemidori is the most indulgent single-cultivar matcha in the Uejima range. Grown pesticide-free in the fields of Noriyasu Uejima at Sourokuen in Wazuka, Uji, Kyoto - it opens with fresh green notes of edamame, buttered peas, and zucchini, then unfolds into a creamy texture of soft custard and banana-like sweetness, followed by warm tones of caramel, dark chocolate, and cacao nibs. A cup that surprises. Chaseki was the first to introduce Uejima's matcha to Thailand in 2020.
About Uejima Saemidori
Uejima Saemidori is part of our Ceremonial Matcha collection, sourced exclusively from Sourokuen (爽緑園) - the pesticide-free farm of Noriyasu Uejima in Wazuka, Uji, Kyoto.
Saemidori is a cultivar revered among Japanese tea producers for its exceptional sweetness, custardy depth, and the complex dessert-like character it can achieve under the right growing conditions. In standard production, these qualities are often muted. In Uejima's pesticide-free fields - tended by a 5th generation farmer who is the only producer in the 90+ year history of Kyoto's national tea competition to achieve a perfect score - they are fully expressed.
The result is a single-cultivar matcha that reads more like a sensory experience than a simple bowl of tea. The progression from edamame freshness to custard sweetness to caramel warmth to dark chocolate depth is the Saemidori cultivar at its most honest.
Taste Profile
Mouthfeel: Creamy, medium Finish: Long, rich Umami: Moderate, integrated Sweetness: Pronounced, dessert-like Flavor NotesUejima Saemidori opens with fresh green notes of edamame, buttered peas, and zucchini - bright and clean, grounding the cup in genuine green tea character before the more complex layers arrive. A creamy texture then unfolds through the mid-palate, carrying soft custard sweetness. Banana-like notes arrive clearly - ripe, sweet, and smooth. Warm sugary tones reminiscent of caramel develop as the cup progresses, followed by dark chocolate and cacao nibs that close the finish with a richness that is genuinely unexpected from a single-cultivar ceremonial matcha. Long, rich, and layered from first sip to last.
How to Use Uejima Saemidori
Best suited for:- Usucha
- Clear-style preparations
- Matcha lattes (hot and iced)
Usucha is the ideal preparation for experiencing the full progression from edamame to custard to dark chocolate. In clear-style preparations, the banana sweetness and caramel warmth are vivid and refreshing. In lattes, the custardy sweetness and dark chocolate notes create a naturally indulgent drink with minimal added sweetener needed. Not recommended for koicha - for thick preparation in the Uejima range, step up to Tempuka or Hana.
How Uejima Saemidori Compares
Among the Uejima single-cultivar matchas, Saemidori is the richest and most dessert-forward. Okumidori is floral and graceful - elderflower, osmanthus, and a long elegant finish. Sakimidori is fresher and more savoury - spinach, asparagus, artichoke, saltiness. Kirari 31 is the lightest and most fruity - corn sweetness and ripe peach. Saemidori stands apart as the most complex and layered of the four - the one that reveals itself over multiple sips.
Origin & Sourcing
Uejima Saemidori is grown by Noriyasu Uejima at Sourokuen (爽緑園) in Wazuka, Uji, Kyoto. Uejima-san is a 5th generation tea farmer tending approximately 4 hectares of pesticide-free fields. He is the only producer in the 90+ year history of Kyoto's national tea competition to achieve a perfect score. He grows exclusively from his own fields - no purchased tencha, no outside blending.
Chaseki was the first to introduce Uejima's matcha to Thailand in 2020 and works directly with the farm. As Uejima-san says: *"The tea I make is what you drink when your heart is thirsty."*
Trusted by Thailand's Matcha Community
Chaseki has specialized in Japanese matcha since November 2018 and has supplied Thailand's professional tea industry since 2020, training more than 2,500 students. Uejima matcha is available in Thailand exclusively through Chaseki.
Sizes & Packaging
- 30g can — THB 910
- 100g, 250g, 500g, and 1,000g pouches for cafés and professional kitchens
Wholesale pricing available for verified B2B accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Uejima Saemidori so rich and dessert-like?
The Saemidori cultivar is known for exceptional sweetness and custardy depth. In Uejima's pesticide-free Wazuka fields, tended by the only producer to achieve a perfect score in Kyoto's 90+ year tea competition, those qualities are fully expressed. Custard, banana, caramel, dark chocolate, and cacao nibs are natural impressions from this cultivar at this level of cultivation.
How does Uejima Saemidori compare to Uejima Okumidori?
Okumidori is floral and graceful - elderflower, osmanthus, soft juicy mouthfeel, long graceful finish. Saemidori is richer and more dessert-forward - custard, banana, caramel, dark chocolate. Okumidori is elegant and aromatic. Saemidori is indulgent and complex.Is Uejima Saemidori suitable for lattes?
Yes. Custardy sweetness, caramel, and dark chocolate translate exceptionally in milk. A naturally indulgent latte with minimal added sweetener needed.
What are the banana and caramel notes?
Natural flavor impressions from the Saemidori cultivar under Uejima's conditions - not added. Banana is a soft ripe fruity sweetness. Caramel is a warm toasted sweetness. Together with custard and dark chocolate they make Saemidori the most indulgent single-cultivar in the Uejima range.
Is this matcha suitable for beginners?
Yes. Rich, familiar dessert-like character makes it immediately approachable.
How should I store matcha properly?
Fridge or freezer, airtight container. Fresh four months in the fridge. Over one year frozen. Return to room temperature before opening.
Does matcha contain caffeine?
Yes. Caffeine and L-theanine, calmer energy compared to coffee.
Is Chaseki matcha sourced directly from Japan?
Yes. Directly from Uejima Tea Farm, Wazuka, Uji, Kyoto. First introduced to Thailand by Chaseki in 2020.
Is this matcha pesticide-free?
Yes. All Uejima Tea Farm matcha is grown pesticide-free.
Is this matcha suitable for cafes?
Yes. Available in larger formats. Contact us for wholesale pricing.
What is the difference between single-cultivar and blended matcha?
Single-cultivar is the pure expression of one cultivar. Uejima Saemidori shows the Saemidori cultivar as grown in his pesticide-free Wazuka fields without blending.
Related Products
- Uejima Okumidori - more floral and graceful, long elegant finish
- Uejima Sakimidori - fresher and more savoury
- Uejima Kirari 31 - lighter, fruity, corn and ripe peach
- Uejima Tempuka - blended, for those ready to explore koicha