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Tanegashima Saemidori Shincha

Tanegashima Saemidori Shincha

Regular price $28.35
Regular price $51.75 Sale price $28.35
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Learn all the secrets of the Tanegashima Saemidori Shincha

The Tanegashima Saemidori Shincha is one of the first teas to be harvested each spring on the stunning island of Tanegashima. Made from the Saemidori cultivar, this shincha captures the vibrant freshness of the early season with its delicate, grassy flavor and floral aroma.

Taste

Discover the results of Nio Teas’ 4 step tea tasting method

This Tanegashima Saemidori Shincha is a delicate and refined tea that showcases the purity of early spring harvests. It offers a complex balance of grassy and floral flavors with a refreshing citrusy finish.

Step 1 - Observing the Appearance

The tea leaves are lightly rolled into needle shapes with some visible small leaf particles, typical of unshaded shincha. Their light green color hints at the tea’s fresh and delicate character.

Step 2 - Assessing the Aroma

Upon opening the package, you'll notice a gentle blend of hay-like grassiness and soft floral notes—bright, clean, and uplifting.

Step 3 - Tasting the Tea

The tea opens with a clean grassy and hay aroma, followed by light floral flavors. It is best brewed carefully to avoid over-extraction—just one minute is enough. The finish has a well-balanced umami flavor complemented by citrusy brightness and a lingering fresh note.

Step 4 - Evaluating the sensation on the palate

This tea has a soft, thin mouthfeel with a gentle interplay of sweetness, floral aromatics, and acidity. While simple in structure, the layers of flavor offer a delightful tasting experience.

100% Organically grown and Ethically Sourced

At Nio, we work closely with tea farmers who grow their tea without the use of harmful pesticides or chemicals. This sustainable approach not only improves the flavor and quality of the tea but also preserves the natural ecosystem of the tea fields for generations to come.

JAS Japanese Agriculture Standards logo

JAS Certified

This tea is grown in accordance with the strict standards of JAS organic certification. You can enjoy the Tanegashima Saemidori Shincha knowing it meets high standards for sustainability and purity.

How to prepare the tea

To enjoy the full complexity of this shincha, we recommend brewing it gently with lower-temperature water and a shorter steeping time.

  • icon of a teapot with temperature brewing instruction in degree for 60 degree celsius and 140 degree fahrenheit

    Step 1

    Heat your water to 60°C (140°F).

  • icon of 5 grams of tea leaves

    Step 2

    Pour 150ml of water into the pot.

  • icon of a teapot with time brewing instruction of 1 minute

    Step 3

    Let it brew for just 1 minute to avoid excessive bitterness and preserve the delicate flavors.

  • black icon of a cup of tea

    Step 4

    The kyusu will filter the leaves as you pour. Sip and savor the soft grassy notes and refreshing finish.

  • icon of a teapot with time brewing instruction of 20 seconds

    2nd brew

    You can rebrew the leaves 2–3 more times. For each additional steep, pour hot water and allow it to sit for about 20 seconds. The flavor will evolve, becoming fresher and more citrusy with each infusion.

  • icon of glace of matcha latte with ice cubes

    Cold brew

    We do not recommend cold brewing this tea, as it’s better appreciated when brewed warm to highlight its delicate aromas and complex flavors.

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Necessary teaware

To get the best experience, we suggest using a Fukamushi-style kyusu teapot. Its fine mesh filter prevents clogging and allows for a clean pour.

If you don’t have a kyusu, a simple tea strainer works as well—just be sure to remove the leaves promptly to prevent overbrewing.

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Fujisako farm in japan

Location of production and farmer

Information about the farm

Mr. Eiichi Matsushita (松下栄市) is a fourth-generation tea farmer based on the lush island of Tanegashima. Like many experienced tea masters, he personally oversees the steaming process to ensure the perfect flavor and texture. His family has been growing tea on the island since 1909, when they relocated from Shizuoka and brought their tea-growing knowledge with them. Mr. Matsushita has also served as President of the Tanegashima Arasha Factory Association for 12 years. His fields are located in one of the best green tea regions of the island, producing high-quality leaves every spring.

map with the location of shizuoka tea fields in Japan

Sourced in Tanegashima Mr. Eiichi Matsushita’s tea fields are nestled in the northern highlands of Tanegashima, a scenic island located about 115 kilometers south of Kagoshima City. This area benefits from a warm subtropical climate and ocean breezes that bring in mineral-rich air and morning mists—ideal conditions for early-season Shincha production. The fields sit at 223 meters above sea level, making them the highest in Banyamine and one of the most prized tea-growing areas on the island.

Japan

Cultivar and tea plant variety

  • Saemidori

    Saemidori is a premium Japanese tea cultivar prized for its smoothness and vibrant color. A cross between Yabukita and Asatsuyu, it combines the rich umami of the latter with the balanced structure of the former. This cultivar sprouts early in the season, making it an excellent choice for producing high-quality shincha. When crafted into sencha or shincha, Saemidori yields a bright green infusion with a delicate floral aroma, mellow sweetness, and a clean, refreshing finish with minimal bitterness.

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Free Worldwide Shipping & Delivery

We proudly offer free shipping worldwide on all orders. To ensure your tea arrives quickly and safely, we choose the most efficient shipping service available for your location. For customers in the U.S. and E.U., deliveries typically arrive within 5–7 business days. Orders sent to other parts of the world may take up to 10 days. Expedited shipping options are also available at checkout for an additional cost, depending on your region.

Order issues

If anything goes wrong with your order or you have questions, we’re here to help. The best way to reach us is via email at info@nioteas.com, and we aim to respond as quickly as possible. You’re also welcome to send us a message on Instagram @nio_japanese_green_tea for quick, informal inquiries.

Payments

We accept all major credit cards, PayPal, and Apple Pay to make checkout easy and secure. Prefer to pay by bank transfer? Simply choose that option at checkout, and we’ll follow up with payment instructions. We’ll ship your tea as soon as the payment has been confirmed.

Returns & Refunds

We want every sip of tea you enjoy from Nio to be a great one. If you’re not completely satisfied with your order, please reach out—we’re happy to offer a replacement or find a solution that works for you. Your satisfaction matters to us, and we’re always committed to providing a positive experience.

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