Description
SAIJOEN by AIYA Saiho no Kaori Nishio Matcha for Usucha
※ Shipping Notice for 40g and 100g Sizes
The 40g and 100g sizes are made to order and require approximately seven days before shipment. Delivery time after dispatch is additional.
Saiho no Kaori is a Nishio matcha from SAIJOEN, the matcha brand developed by AIYA of Aichi Prefecture. Officially presented as a matcha for usucha, it offers a youthful tea character with noticeable aroma, gentle umami and a lightly bitter, astringent finish.
The Japanese product name is 最萌の香, read as Saiho no Kaori. Its character comes from tender young shoots harvested during the season when fresh tea leaves emerge.
Made from Shade-Grown Young Tea Shoots
Saiho no Kaori is made using young shoots from comparatively young tea plants. When the new shoots emerge, the tea gardens are covered with black shading material known as kanreisha, reducing direct sunlight for approximately 20 days.
The carefully harvested young leaves are then refined and finely milled. This process produces a youthful style of matcha with a distinct tea presence, pronounced aroma and vivid green appearance.
Flavor Profile
Saiho no Kaori balances umami with a subtle bitter and astringent edge. Young tea leaves of this type generally contain more tannin, which contributes to the matcha’s fresh, lively and clearly defined finish.
Compared with SAIJOEN Sawa, the producer’s comparison chart places Saiho no Kaori one level higher in both flavor intensity and umami, and two levels higher in aroma and green color saturation. It is therefore a suitable choice for customers seeking a more aromatic and vivid usucha while retaining an approachable balance.
- Taste: Youthful and clearly defined
- Umami: Present and balanced
- Bitterness and Astringency: Light but noticeable
- Aroma: More pronounced than SAIJOEN Sawa
- Color: Vivid green with higher color saturation than SAIJOEN Sawa
- Finish: Fresh and gently astringent
Recommended for Usucha
Saiho no Kaori is intended for usucha, the lighter style of traditionally whisked matcha. Its balance of umami, aroma and gentle astringency makes it suitable for everyday matcha, serving to guests and tea-ceremony practice.
For the clearest expression of its youthful aroma and vivid color, it is best enjoyed as straight usucha. It can also be prepared with cool water for a refreshing cold matcha.
This product is not officially presented as a matcha for koicha. Preparing it as usucha allows its intended balance of umami, bitterness and astringency to be appreciated more naturally.
Suggested Usucha Preparation
Sift approximately 1.2–2g of matcha into a dry matcha bowl. Add approximately 60ml of hot water at 70–80°C and whisk briskly with a chasen until the tea is evenly combined and a fine layer of foam forms.
- Warm the bowl and chasen before preparation.
- Dry the bowl thoroughly before adding the matcha.
- Sift the matcha to reduce clumps.
- Use water below boiling temperature to preserve the intended flavor balance.
- Whisk quickly with the wrist in an M-shaped motion.
- Finish with smaller movements to create a finer surface foam.
Approximate Usucha Servings
The approximate number of servings varies according to whether 1.2g or 2g of matcha is used for each bowl.
- 20g: Approximately 10–16 servings
- 40g: Approximately 20–33 servings
- 100g: Approximately 50–83 servings
These serving figures are estimates. Actual yield will vary according to the desired strength and the amount used for each preparation.
Cold Matcha Preparation
For cold matcha, sift a slightly generous serving into a bowl and whisk it thoroughly with chilled water. Because matcha is a suspension rather than a fully soluble powder, continue whisking until the tea is evenly dispersed.
A sealed bottle or matcha shaker may also be used. Drink soon after preparation, as the matcha particles will naturally settle over time.
Available Sizes
- 20g: Tin
- 40g: Tin; made to order
- 100g: Bag; made to order
※ The 40g and 100g sizes require approximately seven days before shipment.
Storage
Store the matcha tightly sealed in a cool, dark and odor-free place. Protect it from light, heat, humidity, oxidation and strong surrounding aromas. After opening, close the package securely and consume the matcha as soon as reasonably possible.
If an unopened package is kept at a low temperature, allow it to return to room temperature while still sealed before opening. This helps reduce the possibility of condensation forming inside the package.
Key Highlights
- Nishio matcha produced by AIYA
- Japanese product name: 最萌の香
- Romanized product name: Saiho no Kaori
- Officially recommended for usucha
- Made using young shoots from comparatively young tea plants
- Tea gardens shaded from direct sunlight for approximately 20 days
- Youthful matcha character with balanced umami
- Subtle bitterness and astringency
- More pronounced aroma and greener color than SAIJOEN Sawa
- Suitable for everyday matcha and tea-ceremony practice
- Available in 20g, 40g and 100g variations
Product Specifications
| Brand | SAIJOEN |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | AIYA Co., Ltd. |
| Product Name | Saiho no Kaori |
| Japanese Product Name | 最萌の香（さいほうのかおり） |
| Tea Type | Japanese matcha green tea powder |
| Recommended Preparation | Usucha / thin tea |
| Origin | Nishio, Aichi Prefecture, Japan |
| Ingredients | Green tea |
| Cultivation Character | Young shoots from comparatively young tea plants, shaded from direct sunlight for approximately 20 days |
| Flavor Profile | Youthful matcha character with umami and subtle bitterness and astringency |
| Comparison with Sawa | Flavor intensity +1; umami +1; aroma +2; green color saturation +2 |
| Suggested Matcha Amount | Approximately 1.2–2g per bowl |
| Suggested Water Amount | Approximately 60ml |
| Suggested Water Temperature | 70–80°C |
| Available Sizes | 20g, 40g and 100g |
| Packaging | 20g tin; 40g tin; 100g bag |
| Made-to-Order Sizes | 40g and 100g |
| Shipping Schedule | Approximately seven days before shipment for the 40g and 100g sizes; delivery time after dispatch is additional |
| Storage | Store tightly sealed in a cool, dark and odor-free place away from heat, humidity and direct sunlight |