Learn all the secrets of the Oishi Ceremonial Matcha Saemidori
The Oishi Ceremonial Matcha Saemidori is a masterpiece from Kagoshima, on Japan’s Kyushu Island. Crafted by Mr. Oishi, a tea producer whose family has been perfecting the art of green tea since 1940, this matcha offers a delicate balance between roasted depth and creamy sweetness. Made from the Saemidori cultivar, one of Japan’s most celebrated varieties, it reveals layers of toasted kinako, caramel popcorn, and sweet potato with a mouthwatering finish. A truly premium ceremonial matcha for those who appreciate both character and refinement.
Taste
Discover the results of Nio Teas’ 4 step tea tasting method
This tea invites you to explore every sensory detail through its color, aroma, flavor, and texture. Its complexity and balance reflect the dedication behind every leaf cultivated by the Oishi family.
Step 1 - Observing the Appearance
The powder glows in an intense, bright green hue that captures light beautifully. When whisked, it produces a fine, thick foam with a smooth surface, a sign of expert shading and careful stone grinding.
Step 2 - Assessing the Aroma
The first aroma evokes roasted kinako and caramel popcorn, followed by a subtle marine undertone reminiscent of Yame-style matcha. It’s both comforting and complex, bridging nutty warmth with elegant sweetness.
Step 3 - Tasting the Tea
The flavor begins with roasted kinako and hiika, quickly transitioning into the mellow sweetness of starchy sweet potato. The umami is rich yet refined, and the vegetal depth of the Saemidori cultivar brings a sense of balance to the cup. Every sip unfolds new dimensions, leaving the palate both satisfied and intrigued.
Step 4 - Evaluating the sensation on the palate
The texture is velvety and full, offering a balanced interplay between sweetness and roasted warmth. It finishes clean, refreshing, and mouthwatering, with a lingering aftertaste that makes you crave the next sip.
100% Organically grown and Ethically Sourced
At Nio Teas, we partner with producers who cultivate their tea plants without pesticides or synthetic chemicals. Mr. Oishi’s tea fields in Kagoshima are a vibrant example of sustainable agriculture, surrounded by fertile volcanic soil and cooled by ocean breezes. His meticulous attention to organic farming enhances not only the taste but also the vitality and purity of each cup.
How to prepare the tea
Step 1
Sift 2 grams of matcha powder into your chawan (matcha bowl) to ensure a smooth texture.
Step 2
Heat water to 70°C (160°F).
Step 3
Add a few drops of water to form a paste, then slowly pour in 100ml of water.
Step 4
Gently scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl to combine the matcha into the water.
Step 5
Using your wrist, whisk the matcha up in rapid zigzag motions until a light green foam appears on top.
Step 6
Enjoy your matcha either as usucha (thin matcha) for a balanced flavor or koicha (thick matcha) for a more concentrated umami experience.
The Oishi family farm is located in Kagoshima Prefecture, on Kyushu Island, one of Japan’s most fertile tea-growing regions. The family has been producing tea since 1940, mastering the balance between innovation and heritage. The volcanic soil, rich in minerals, combined with Kagoshima’s mild climate, allows for ideal shading conditions that amplify the Saemidori cultivar’s signature umami and sweetness. Every step of production, from shading to grinding, is handled with precision to ensure exceptional flavor clarity and depth.
Sourced in Kagoshima
Japan
The Oishi Ceremonial Matcha Saemidori comes from Kagoshima, Kyushu Island, a region renowned for its pristine air, rich volcanic soil, and abundant rainfall. These natural conditions create a unique terroir where the Saemidori leaves develop a perfect harmony of umami, sweetness, and smooth vegetal character. The result is a matcha that feels both powerful and refined, a tribute to Kagoshima’s unmatched tea-growing heritage.
Cultivar and tea plant variety
This ceremonial matcha is made entirely from the Saemidori cultivar, one of Japan’s most beloved and refined tea plant varieties.
Saemidori
Saemidori thrives in the warm, volcanic environment of southern Japan, particularly in Kagoshima. Known for its bright color, natural sweetness, and low bitterness, it produces matcha that is creamy, nutty, and aromatic. Mr. Oishi’s slow and careful cultivation of this cultivar brings out its best qualities: a roasted warmth, deep umami, and a clean, lingering finish.
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We offer free worldwide shipping on all orders over $49. Deliveries usually take 5–7 days in the U.S. and E.U., and up to 10 days internationally. If you need your tea sooner, we also provide express delivery options at checkout for a small additional fee.
Order issues
If you encounter any issues with your order, please contact us at info@nioteas.com for quick support. For shorter questions, you can also reach us directly through Instagram at @nio_japanese_green_tea.
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Returns & Refunds
We want every customer to enjoy their tea experience. If you’re not completely satisfied with your order, we’ll replace it with another tea of your choice. There’s no need to return the original package; simply share it with someone who might appreciate it.
This is honestly one of the best matcha powders I've tried! It's bold, umami, with gentle astringency. The color is vibrant and the powder froths easily as well. This goes well even just in basic lattes and it also pairs well with soy milk! I've also used this in flavored, fun drinks and it did not disappoint! So good. 🤍
I love how easy this powder is to love! It’s the perfect balance for everyday matcha drink. has boldness, with hints of grassiness and bitterness but as lattes, it’s so so good! definitely compliments so well and can be drank every single day!
The Oishi Saemidori matcha is a vivid deep dark green with a smooth, velvety texture. I found the aroma light, slightly toasty, nutty. Very well rounded, creamy and sweet with no bitterness. Comforting.
This matcha is the only one I've tried from Nio that I actively disliked (and I've tried over 20 different ones). It has a flavor very reminiscent of dirt that makes it unpleasant to drink.
Edit: turns out my oat milk had gone bad, check your milk folks 😅
With good milk this matcha is very pleasant to drink! It has a very smooth, mild flavor, so I'd recommend adding very little to it.
Probably the most vibrant green matcha I’ve had yet. The aroma lovely and nutty. It’s very smooth (especially compared to the Noike matcha). Almost no astringency or bitterness, very pleasant to drink without added sweetener.
i savored every last bit of this oishi ceremonial matcha saemidori!
on its own as a koicha its roasty, sweet, velvety thick & refreshing. i could def keep sipping bc there was no astringency just a smooth umami taste
Upon opening the bag, there is a nice matcha aroma that is slightly sweet and vegetal. it is a lovely bright, green with a slight yellow hue to it. the texture is fine and soft.
it whisked up easily and produced a nice foam! i think the taste is well-balanced with umami, vegetal notes. minimal bitterness, and a touch of sweetness. it works very well in a latte especially with just a little bit of sweetener. it is creamy and very enjoyable. i would recommend this as a more elevated everyday matcha!
This matcha has a sweetness to it with a slight nutty taste.
I prefer drinking matchas in an usucha, and this one is no exception (although I had it in a latte LOL) there is so much depth and creaminess to it— I highly recommend this to anyone who wants a complex yet smooth taste
Such a nice aroma, it’s vegetal and also a little oceanic, a nice vibrant green color. As an usucha it is slight umami and vegetal with slightly sweetness and minimal bitterness. As a latte it’s yummy! It’s vegetal with a balanced umami and a creamy finish. It’s 8/10 for me
Superior ceremonial matcha green tea. The aroma and taste are incomparable. I have tried at least 6 other brands and hands down this is the BEST! I highly recommend because you will not be disappointed!
Un buon matcha, dal sapore gradevole e abbastanza equilibrato. Si percepisce una buona qualità della materia prima e il gusto è delicato, senza risultare eccessivamente amaro. Personalmente ho assaggiato matcha ancora più raffinati e complessi, per questo non do cinque stelle, ma resta comunque un prodotto che acquisterei di nuovo e che consiglio.
This is my go to, my matcha goodness that awaits for me at the end of my long work day. My anticipated treat to myself during my drive home. It’s soooooo deeeeeelicious and my favorite drink of choice anytime of the day, too!! It stands on its own which is why there is no need to add anything else but the water to mix up the matcha powder and the foamy froth. Then, it’s just matcha goodness inside every single sip!
Wondering how long to froth matcha? Learn the exact frothing time for a chasen, electric frother, and milk frother to get smooth, creamy foam every time.
Wondering how long to froth matcha? Learn the exact frothing time for a chasen, electric frother, and milk frother to get smooth, creamy foam every time.