Matcha cultivars
The most important matcha cultivars
Not all matcha is the same – depending on which cultivar (i.e., which cultivated tea plant variety) the powder comes from, the taste, color, aroma, and foaming behavior differ significantly.
1. Saemidori – The Gentle One
Taste: mild, sweetish, hardly any bitterness
Color: rich, intense jade green
Character: very fine, creamy foam, high umami content
Ideal for: pure ceremonial matcha, tea ceremonies
2. Okumidori – The Deep
Taste: soft, round, slightly nutty
Color: deep green
Character: less common, appreciated for elegance and complexity
Ideal for: experienced connoisseurs, high-quality blends
Taste: fresh, slightly grassy, balanced
Color: bright green
Character: Standard cultivar, good balance of bitterness and umami
Ideal for: everyday use, matcha beginners, matcha latte
4. Yutakamidori – The Powerful One
Taste: spicy, full-bodied, with a subtle bitterness
Color: rich green with a slightly yellowish tint
Character: stronger than Saemidori, brings depth to blends
Ideal for: intense lattes, strength of character in pure variations
5. Asahi – The Noble One
Taste: very sweet, complex, intensely umami
Color: deep, brilliant green
Character: one of the most exclusive cultivars, rare and expensive
Ideal for: the most exquisite tea ceremonies, pure enjoyment
6. Samidori – The Floral
Taste: slightly sweet, floral, delicate
Color: soft green
Character: rather rare, brings elegance to high-quality blends
Ideal for: finely blended teas, pure or mixed