Sueyoshi Tea Atelier #001: 2023 “Furusato no Hana” Saemidori Fukamushi Kabusecha from Kagoshima 末吉銘茶 郷里の華 さえみどり Sueyoshi Tea Atelier

This award winning Saemidori cultivar kabusecha is part of Sueyoshi’s Furusato no Hana series (郷里の華 ). Literally, “hometown flower”, the name will conjure up feelings of nostalgia for the countryside, transporting you to the tea fields of the Soo region on the Southernmost main island of Japan, Kagoshima. Considered by many to be Mataki-san’s finest tea, this kabusecha offers a harmonious balance of flavors, especially popular among women. Also a delightfully refreshing cold brew for the summer time.

Awards Won

• 2020 Superior Taste Award (International Taste Institute’s jury of the world’s best Chefs & Sommeliers)
• Great Taste Awards 2019 (2 stars)
• Great Taste Awards 2020 (1 star)
• Great Taste Awards 2021 (3 stars)
• Great Taste Awards 2022 (3 stars)
• Teas of the World 2019 Gourmet Medal
• Japanese Tea Selection Paris 2019 (Silver
• Medal)
• Japanese Tea Selection Paris 2020 (Gold
• Medal)
• Japanese Tea Award 2018 (Fine Product Award)
• The Leafies Awards 2023 (Highly Commended)
• The Leafies Awards 2022 (Gold Medal)

Mataki Tatefumi practices the Chagusaba agricultural method for growing tea leaves in which grass (primarily suzuki) grown around the fields are cut, dried, and laid between the tea hedges to prevent weed growth and to fertilize the soil.

Steeping Recommendation

Tea: 5 grams. Time: 60 seconds. Water: 70C/160F, 200 ml.

Flavor Profile

• Sweetness 4/5
• Astringency 1/5
• Bitterness 2/5
• Umami 5/5
• Green Roast 3/5

Product Info

• Ingredients: Green tea
• Cultivar: Saemidori
• Harvest: Spring
• Region: Soo, Kagoshima
• Cultivation notes: Utilizes Chagusaba Agriculture, shaded for extra umami flavor
• Production notes: Deep steamed (fukamushi) and lightly green-roasted.

About the Farmer

Mataki Tatefumi, 3rd generation tea farmer and CEO of Sueyoshi Tea Atelier, believes tea brings forth connections. With this philosophy in mind, they strive to deliver their delicately and finely grown teas to as many people as possible. They also aspire to promote a meaningful way of living that will extend beyond one’s cup of tea.

The Sueyoshi farm and factory is located in the Soo district (pronounced “Soh-oh”) in Kagoshima Prefecture. A stunning volcanic mountain range rich with biodiversity, the region is on the southern end of the beautiful Kirishima Mountain Range. Mataki-san takes pride in selecting the highest quality tea leaves (harvested once a year), leaves that have been grown with time and deep care.

He is also proactive in preserving the biodiveristy of the region thru the practice of Chagusaba Agriculture, recognized as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) in 2013 by UNESCO.