Samidori: Difference between revisions
No edit summary |
|||
| (8 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
[[File:Yabukita-close. | [[File:Yabukita-close.webp|thumb|right|Yabukita leaves]] | ||
'''Samidori''' is | '''Samidori''' (さみどり) is an unregistered Japanese tea [[cultivar]] originating from the Uji region in Kyoto Prefecture. Renowned for its suitability in producing high-quality shaded teas such as [[Gyokuro]], [[Tencha]], and [[Matcha]], Samidori is celebrated for its rich umami flavor and appealing aroma. | ||
== See | == Background == | ||
Samidori is often associated with premium Japanese teas due to its exceptional characteristics when grown under shade. It is important not to confuse Samidori with [[Saemidori]], another Japanese tea cultivar with a similar name but different properties. While Saemidori is known for its early budding and sweetness, Samidori is distinct in its flavor profile and cultivation methods. | |||
== History == | |||
The cultivar was developed by Koyama Masajirō (小山 政次郎) beginning in 1939. Originating from native tea plants in the Uji region, an area with a rich history in tea cultivation, Samidori was promoted for use among tea growers in 1954 due to its desirable traits for producing high-grade teas. Its adoption contributed to the region's reputation for exceptional [[Matcha]] and [[Gyokuro]]. | |||
== Characteristics == | |||
=== Growth and Harvest === | |||
* Budding Time: Samidori is a standard budding cultivar, with a harvest time similar to the widely cultivated Yabukita variety. This synchronization allows for efficient harvesting schedules. | |||
* Cold Resistance: The cultivar exhibits good tolerance to colder climates, making it a reliable choice for regions that experience lower temperatures. | |||
* Extended Picking Period: Samidori offers a longer harvesting window, reducing labor intensity for large tea plantations and allowing for more flexible picking times. | |||
=== Tea Production Qualities === | |||
* Shaded Tea Suitability: Exceptionally well-suited for shaded cultivation methods like the Tana technique, which enhances the development of amino acids in the leaves. | |||
* Flavor Profile: Produces teas with a vibrant green color, rich umami taste, natural sweetness, and minimal bitterness. | |||
* Aroma: Known for its pleasant aroma with subtle notes that can include hints of rosemary and avocado when processed into matcha. | |||
=== Cultivation and Processing of Samidori === | |||
Samidori plants thrive under traditional shading methods used in the production of high-quality Japanese teas: | |||
* Shading: Tea bushes are shaded for about three weeks before harvest to increase chlorophyll and amino acid content. | |||
* Harvesting: Leaves are carefully picked to preserve their quality. | |||
* Processing: The leaves are steamed and dried to produce tencha, which is then finely ground using stone mills to create matcha powder. | |||
* Packaging: The finished matcha is packaged in oxygen-free environments and stored under refrigeration to maintain freshness until consumption. | |||
== Usage of Samidori == | |||
Samidori is predominantly used in the production of: | |||
* Matcha: Highly prized for ceremonial-grade matcha due to its smooth texture and rich flavor. | |||
* Gyokuro: Ideal for this premium shaded green tea, offering depth in taste and aroma. | |||
* Tencha: Serves as the raw material for matcha, benefiting from the cultivar's exceptional qualities. | |||
== Current Status of Samidori == | |||
Today, Samidori remains a prominent cultivar in Kyoto Prefecture, especially in the Uji region. It continues to be a preferred choice for tea farmers aiming to produce top-tier [[Matcha]] and [[Gyokuro]]. Its cultivation supports the preservation of traditional Japanese tea-making practices and contributes to the global appreciation of Japanese tea culture. | |||
== See Also == | |||
* [[Cultivar]] | * [[Cultivar]] | ||
* [[Matcha]] | |||
* [[Gyokuro]] | |||
* [[Yabukita]] | |||
* [[Tsuyuhikari]] | * [[Tsuyuhikari]] | ||
* [[Okumidori]] | * [[Okumidori]] | ||
* [[Saemidori]] | * [[Saemidori]] | ||
== Buy Samidori Matcha == | |||
[https://teamania.ch/en/samidori-matcha/ Samidori Matcha from Wazuka, Japan] | |||
== References == | |||
* Tanaka, H. (2012). The Cultivation of Tea in Uji: A Historical Perspective. Kyoto University Press. | |||
* Sato, M. (2015). "Characteristics of Japanese Tea Cultivars". Journal of Tea Science, 42(3), 150-158. | |||
* Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. (2020). Catalogue of Tea Cultivars. | |||
[[Category:Cultivar]] | [[Category:Cultivar]] | ||