Sayamacha

Sayamacha is a type of green tea respectively cultivar grown mainly in the southwestern region of Saitama Prefecture. Compared to other cultivars like Yabukita or Saemidori, sayamacha is characterized by its thick leaves. This is because the region around Saitama Prefecture is considered to be fairly north and has a cool climate. The frost in winter makes ordinary cultivars without thick leaves unable to survive.

Through selective breeding a frost resistant cultivar was developed over years. As a result, sayamacha cultivar evolved to have thick leaves that can withstand frosty temperature. Beside that, sayamacha has been found to have some of the highest levels of antioxidants in green tea.