Keiko Uchida
Kyoto Single Origin Matcha / Saemidori - Gekkou
Keiko's Tasting Notes: Rich umami and intense sweetness.
Best Enjoyed As: Usucha, Koicha, or Matcha Latte
Uji, Kyoto · Single Origin · Single Estate
- Description
- About the Producer
- Storage & Care
The variety "Saemidori" was crossbred in Makurazaki, Kagoshima Prefecture. It has its origins in "Yabukita" and the Uji variety "Asatsuyu". It is also used in high-quality green teas such as gyokuro known for similar beauty and healthy benefits as matcha. This variety is selected as an early ripening variety and is usually the first type to be harvested as it is vulnerable to being overshadowed by other tea leaf varieties such as Uji Hikari. It is known for its distinctive robust aroma and its bright, strong umami flavour is easy to detect and is widely appreciated for its appeal.
Single Origin Single Estate Matcha refers to matcha made from tea leaves grown on a specific farm within a defined region, ensuring both farm and geographical consistency in flavour.
Tea picking in Uji takes place for three weeks each spring, with 30 to 40 pickers working around the clock in shifts from 6 am to 6 pm daily.
Uji tea is grown using high-quality organic fertilisers, including rapeseed, sesame, and fish fertiliser. Pressed fertilisers are preferred over chemical-based fertilisers, with the fish fertiliser offering a pleasant scent upon delivery.
Each tea ridge in the tea farm has its own unique aroma, distinct from matcha but recognisably "tea." As the leaves open, a powdery fragrance fills the air, enhancing the tea-picking experience.
In Japan, the japanese camellia 'tsubaki' by which matcha is from comes in a variety of types. Known to be used in Japanese tea rooms, the camellia is a flower with an eternal beauty. All of our Keiko Uchida matcha is named after different camellia varieties.
Please note that all best before dates are in the Japanese format YYYY.MM.DD
Gift Wrapping Service
For a special finishing touch, add our gift wrapping service to your cart and your order will be carefully wrapped in a reusable Japanese furoshiki cloth, reflecting the beauty and tradition of Japanese gift giving. Available for an additional £5.50.
Understanding Japanese Best Before Dates
Our best before dates follow the Japanese system (YY/MM/DD). You can find the best before date on the bottom of the tin.
Our tea is produced by some of the most prestigious tea makers in Japan. As they take great pride in their Matcha, they give it a six month best before date once ground.
Shipping & Returns
Delivery
We generally use Royal Mail for our deliveries:
- UK Standard Delivery (dispatched in 3–5 working days) – £4.95
- UK orders over £60 – FREE
- Store Collection (1–2 working days) – FREE
- EU Delivery – £19.00
- US Delivery – from £15.00
- Everywhere Else – from £16.00
Delivery times are estimates and may vary during busy periods or due to customs.
Customs & Import Charges
For EU orders under €150 (excluding shipping), VAT is collected at checkout. Orders over €150 may be subject to additional customs charges on arrival.
For deliveries outside the EU, any customs duties, taxes or import fees are the responsibility of the customer.
For full Delivery details, please see our Delivery & Returns Policy.
Returns
We want you to be happy with your purchase. If you’re not completely satisfied, we’re happy to help.
- Full-price items: return within 14 days
- Return postage: paid by the customer, unless the item is faulty, incorrect or not as described
- Food items: unfortunately cannot be returned for hygiene and safety reasons
For full Returns details, please see our Delivery & Returns Policy.
How to Prepare Matcha
1. Sift 1.5–2g of matcha into a tea bowl.
2. Add 70ml of hot water (around 80°C).
3. Using a bamboo chasen, whisk briskly in a vertical zigzag motion for around 15 seconds, until the matcha is completely smooth.
4. Enjoy immediately.
Discover More
- Matcha Ware
- Matcha
- Green Tea
