Description
SAIJOEN by AIYA Sawa Nishio Matcha Powder 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.
Sawa is a Japanese matcha from SAIJOEN, the matcha brand developed by AIYA of Nishio, Aichi Prefecture. Officially presented as a matcha for usucha, or thin tea, it has an approachable green-tea-like character and a refined astringency that makes it suitable for everyday drinking, tea-ceremony practice and a variety of modern matcha recipes.
The Japanese name 茶和 is read as Sawa. The name was chosen with the wish that everyone who drinks this matcha can enjoy a relaxing and harmonious moment with tea.
Nishio Matcha from an Established Tea Producer
Sawa is produced by AIYA, a tea company established in 1888 in Nishio, Aichi Prefecture. Nishio is one of Japan’s best-known matcha-producing regions and has a long history of cultivating tencha for matcha production.
Matcha production begins with tencha leaves, which are refined and finely milled into powder. AIYA manufactures matcha under carefully managed temperature and humidity conditions to preserve its fine texture and distinctive tea character.
Flavor Profile
Sawa has a flavor that is closer to familiar Japanese green tea, making it an accessible choice for casual matcha drinking. Its defining taste characteristic is a refined astringency that provides a clear and recognizable matcha presence.
When blended with milk, sugar or other ingredients, this astringency helps the matcha flavor remain noticeable instead of disappearing behind sweetness or dairy. This makes Sawa particularly versatile for matcha lattes, desserts and recipes that require a clearly defined green-tea character.
- Taste: Green-tea-like and approachable
- Astringency: Refined and clearly present
- Overall Character: Refreshing, versatile and suitable for regular use
- Best Suited To: Usucha, daily matcha, practice, lattes and culinary applications
Designed for Usucha
Sawa is officially classified as a matcha for usucha, the lighter style of traditionally whisked matcha. Its approachable tea character makes it suitable for regular enjoyment at home as well as tea-ceremony lessons and practice sessions.
This product is not presented as a matcha for koicha. For the intended flavor balance, it is best prepared as usucha or used in drinks and recipes where its refined astringency can provide a recognizable matcha finish.
Suggested Usucha Preparation
As a practical starting point, sift approximately 2g of matcha into a dry matcha bowl. Add approximately 60–70ml of hot water at around 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 preparing the tea.
- Dry the bowl thoroughly before adding the matcha.
- Sift the matcha to reduce clumps.
- Avoid freshly boiling water, which may emphasize bitterness and astringency.
- Adjust the quantity of matcha and water according to personal preference.
Approximate Usucha Servings
When using approximately 2g of matcha per serving, each size provides the following approximate number of bowls:
- 20g: Approximately 10 servings
- 40g: Approximately 20 servings
- 100g: Approximately 50 servings
Actual serving yield will vary depending on the amount of matcha used for each bowl.
Matcha Latte and Cold Matcha
Sawa’s refined astringency helps its matcha character remain noticeable when combined with milk or sweeteners. For a latte, prepare the matcha with a small amount of hot water before adding warm or cold milk. Sweetener may be added according to preference.
It can also be prepared as cold matcha by first mixing the sifted powder with a small amount of water and then adding additional cold water and ice. A sealed bottle or matcha shaker may be used when a chasen is not available.
Cooking and Baking Applications
In addition to usucha, Sawa is recommended for cooking and confectionery. Its green-tea-like flavor and refined astringency help provide a distinct matcha presence when mixed with milk, cream, sugar or other ingredients.
- Matcha lattes and milk-based drinks
- Vanilla ice cream and yogurt
- Cakes, cookies and baked desserts
- Chocolate and cream-based confectionery
- Puddings, custards and chilled desserts
- Traditional Japanese sweets
- Everyday cooking and matcha sauces
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 in a cool, dark and dry place away from high temperatures, humidity, direct sunlight and strongly scented foods. Matcha readily absorbs moisture and surrounding odors, so keep the package tightly sealed after opening and consume it as soon as reasonably possible.
If the unopened matcha is stored at a low temperature, allow the sealed package to return to room temperature before opening it. This helps reduce the possibility of condensation forming inside the package.
Key Highlights
- Japanese Nishio matcha produced by AIYA
- SAIJOEN Sawa, written 茶和 and read as Sawa
- Officially recommended for usucha
- Green-tea-like and approachable flavor
- Refined astringency with a recognizable matcha character
- Suitable for everyday matcha and tea-ceremony practice
- Works well with milk, sugar and dessert ingredients
- Suitable for lattes, cooking and baking
- Available in 20g, 40g and 100g variations
Product Specifications
| Brand | SAIJOEN |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | AIYA Co., Ltd. |
| Product Name | Sawa |
| Japanese Product Name | 茶和（さわ） |
| Tea Type | Japanese matcha green tea powder |
| Recommended Preparation | Usucha / thin tea |
| Origin | Nishio, Aichi Prefecture, Japan |
| Ingredients | Green tea |
| Flavor Profile | Green-tea-like character with refined astringency |
| Recommended Uses | Usucha, everyday matcha, tea-ceremony practice, matcha lattes, cooking and baking |
| 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 dry place away from heat, humidity, sunlight and strong odors |