{"product_id":"shien","title":"Shien - Saemidori, Asahi, and Uji Hikari Ceremonial Matcha from Heikisuien, Joyo, Uji","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eShien - Saemidori, Asahi, and Uji Hikari Ceremonial Matcha from Heikisuien, Joyo, Uji\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShien (紫苑) is the entry point into Heikisuien's premium koicha matcha range - a ceremonial grade blend from Joyo, Uji, Kyoto, built on three cultivars: Saemidori, Asahi, and Uji Hikari. A medium to thick mouthfeel, long finish, and a profile that layers avocado creaminess over cooked green peas and dark chocolate depth. Chaseki was the first to introduce Heikisuien matcha to Thailand in 2021. Shien is where that range begins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout Shien\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShien is part of our Ceremonial Matcha collection and is produced by Heikisuien, a ceremonial matcha producer based in Joyo, Uji, Kyoto - within the region historically recognized as the heart of Japanese matcha culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe name Shien (紫苑) - Japanese for \"aster flower\" - reflects its layered, nuanced character: not one note but many, arranged with care. Three cultivars contribute distinct qualities to the blend. Saemidori brings custardy sweetness and rich depth. Asahi adds buttery body and a coating mouthfeel that holds up under thick preparation. Uji Hikari provides the structural weight and long, clean finish that completes the composition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe result is a matcha built specifically for koicha - substantial enough to hold concentration, complex enough to reward it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTaste Profile\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMouthfeel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium to thick, creamy\n\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long\n\u003cstrong\u003eUmami:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium\n\u003cstrong\u003eSweetness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural, layered\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlavor Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShien opens with a medium to thick body and a long, sustained finish. Cooked green peas lead the vegetal entry - warm and direct. Buttered green asparagus follows, adding green richness alongside a gentle creaminess that builds across the mid-palate. Avocado creaminess becomes the defining texture note - smooth, coating, and full. Nutty impressions of macadamia arrive with paired notes of cacao and dark chocolate, adding depth and a slight earthiness. Subtle fruity impressions of raspberry and strawberry drift across the back palate, lifting the finish. Medium umami sustains throughout, clean and integrated. A matcha that builds slowly and rewards patient preparation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Use Shien\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBest suited for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKoicha\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUsucha\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClear-style preparations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShien is built for koicha. Its three-cultivar blend provides the body, umami, and long finish that thick preparation demands - the creaminess and dark chocolate depth both intensify under concentration. In usucha, it produces a deeply satisfying bowl with complexity that takes multiple sips to fully appreciate. For cafés building a premium koicha program or specialty tea menus, Shien is the accessible entry into Heikisuien's koicha range before stepping to \u003ca href=\"\/products\/ukitsu\"\u003eUkitsu\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hekisui\"\u003eHekisui\u003c\/a\u003e, or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/houju\"\u003eHouju\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow Shien Compares\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWithin the Heikisuien koicha range, Shien is the entry point. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/ukitsu\"\u003eUkitsu\u003c\/a\u003e (Samidori + Asahi) steps above with a more floral, pear-forward sweetness and vanilla depth. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hekisui\"\u003eHekisui\u003c\/a\u003e (Midori + Asahi + Uji Hikari) is lighter and airier, with more prominent floral notes of roses and osmanthus. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/houju\"\u003eHouju\u003c\/a\u003e (Samidori + Asahi + Uji Hikari) is the richest and most complex - yogurt creaminess, jasmine, and the highest umami of the four. Shien is the right start: substantial, layered, and genuinely well-suited to koicha without the premium of the upper tiers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; Sourcing\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShien is produced by Heikisuien, located in Joyo - a city within the Uji region of Kyoto, Japan. Joyo sits within the same historically significant tea-growing corridor as Uji and Kyotanabe, where shade-grown tencha and high-grade ceremonial matcha have been produced for centuries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChaseki was the first to introduce Heikisuien matcha to Thailand in 2021 and remains the exclusive Thai distributor. Every 30g can of Shien sold in Thailand is traceable to this single producer - no intermediaries, no anonymous blending, no relabeling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTrusted by Thailand's Matcha Community\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChaseki has specialized in Japanese matcha since November 2018 and has supplied Thailand's professional tea industry since 2020, training more than 2,500 students through workshops on matcha preparation, sourcing, and business. Shien is part of a range that does not exist anywhere else in Thailand - Heikisuien's ceremonial matcha is available exclusively through Chaseki.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSizes \u0026amp; Packaging\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShien is available in one format:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e30g can\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTHB 2,770 per can. Wholesale pricing available for verified B2B accounts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Store Matcha\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStore Shien in the fridge or freezer, sealed in its original can or an airtight container. Keep away from strong-smelling foods. Return to room temperature before opening to avoid condensation. See FAQ 4 below for full storage guidance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLearn More\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInterested in koicha preparation or exploring the Heikisuien range? Visit our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/learn\"\u003eeducational library and video tutorials\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Heikisuien and where is it located?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeikisuien is a ceremonial matcha producer based in Joyo, Uji, Kyoto - within Japan's most historically significant matcha-producing region. Heikisuien produces multi-cultivar ceremonial blends designed for koicha and high-level usucha preparation. Chaseki was the first to introduce Heikisuien matcha to Thailand in 2021 and remains the exclusive Thai distributor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhy does Shien use three cultivars?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShien combines Saemidori, Asahi, and Uji Hikari to build a layered profile no single cultivar achieves alone. Saemidori brings custardy sweetness. Asahi adds buttery body and coating mouthfeel. Uji Hikari provides the depth and long finish that makes this particularly well suited to koicha. The blend is composed for thick preparation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eIs Shien suitable for koicha?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes - specifically recommended for koicha. The three-cultivar blend provides the body, umami, and long finish that thick preparation demands. Avocado creaminess and dark chocolate depth both intensify under concentration. The most accessible koicha option in the Heikisuien range at THB 2,770 per 30g.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow does Shien compare to the other Heikisuien matchas?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShien is the entry into Heikisuien's koicha range. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/ukitsu\"\u003eUkitsu\u003c\/a\u003e adds floral pear-forward sweetness and vanilla depth. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hekisui\"\u003eHekisui\u003c\/a\u003e is lighter and airier with prominent roses and osmanthus. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/houju\"\u003eHouju\u003c\/a\u003e is the richest and most complex with yogurt creaminess, jasmine, and the highest umami of the four.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is the difference between Ceremonial, Daily, and Latte Matcha?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt Chaseki, matcha is categorized by intended use. Ceremonial is for usucha and koicha. Daily is for regular enjoyment. Latte is for milk-based preparations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eIs this matcha suitable for beginners?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShien rewards matcha drinkers with some experience. For beginners, start with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chiyo-no-sakae\"\u003eChiyo No Sakae\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/heikisuien-hatsu-mukashi\"\u003eHatsu Mukashi (Heikisuien)\u003c\/a\u003e from the Heikisuien everyday range before stepping into the koicha tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow should I choose the right matcha for my use?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor koicha and formal usucha, choose from the Heikisuien koicha range (Shien, Ukitsu, Hekisui, Houju). For lattes and everyday iced preparations, the Heikisuien latte\/usucha range is better suited.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow should I store matcha properly?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStore in the fridge or freezer in an airtight container. Fresh up to four months in the fridge. Over one year frozen if sealed. Return to room temperature before opening.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes matcha contain caffeine?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Matcha contains caffeine and L-theanine, contributing to calmer, more sustained energy compared to coffee.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eIs Chaseki matcha sourced directly from Japan?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Heikisuien matcha is sourced directly from the producer in Joyo, Uji, Kyoto. No intermediaries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eIs this matcha suitable for cafes and professional use?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Heikisuien is used by specialty tea programs and premium café menus in Thailand. Contact us for wholesale pricing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is the difference between single-cultivar and blended matcha?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSingle-cultivar highlights one cultivar. Blended matcha combines cultivars for complexity or a specific profile. Heikisuien's multi-cultivar blends are deliberately composed for layered expression in ceremonial preparation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eRelated Products\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/ukitsu\"\u003eUkitsu\u003c\/a\u003e - next step up: Samidori + Asahi with floral sweetness and vanilla depth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/hekisui\"\u003eHekisui\u003c\/a\u003e - Midori + Asahi + Uji Hikari, lighter and airier in the koicha range\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/houju\"\u003eHouju\u003c\/a\u003e - the pinnacle of the Heikisuien koicha range\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/chiyo-no-sakae\"\u003eChiyo No Sakae\u003c\/a\u003e - entry point into the Heikisuien everyday range for lattes and usucha\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/how-to-prepare-koicha\"\u003eHow to Prepare Koicha\u003c\/a\u003e - our guide to thick matcha preparation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Heikisuien","offers":[{"title":"30g","offer_id":47868862660765,"sku":"HEK-MAT-SHN-30S","price":2770.0,"currency_code":"THB","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0347\/1228\/9412\/files\/shien-30g_bd91aeaa-4acd-4e60-b5d1-02a5a8a2f09a.jpg?v=1777144600","url":"https:\/\/chasekitea.shop\/products\/shien","provider":"Chaseki Tea","version":"1.0","type":"link"}