Ceremonial or Culinary? Let’s Talk about Matcha Quality 🌱

Last week, we shared a quick introduction to matcha. What it is, how it’s made, and why it stands out from other green teas. This week, let’s dive deeper and talk about something that often confuses both beginners and even experienced cafe owners: matcha grades.

Choosing the right grade makes a big difference for flavor, cost, and customer experience.

 

🥇 What Are Matcha Grades?

Matcha is typically categorized into two main grades: ceremonial and culinary. These aren’t just labels, they reflect differences in how the tea is grown, harvested, and intended to be used.

🌿 Ceremonial Grade Matcha

Ceremonial matcha is made from the first harvest of young, tender tea leaves. It’s carefully stone ground into a fine, vibrant green powder and has a naturally sweet, umami rich flavor.

Features:

• Bright, vibrant green color

• Smooth texture and balanced umami

• Low bitterness and a clean finish

Best For:

• Drinking straight with hot water

• Premium matcha offerings such as lattes

• Customers seeking a refined, and high end experience

Some high end cafes also use ceremonial matcha in lattes to create seasonal drinks or justify a premium price

🍰 Culinary Grade Matcha

Culinary matcha comes from later harvests and includes slightly more mature leaves. It has a bolder flavor that holds up well when mixed with milk, sweeteners, or other ingredients.

Features:

• Yellow-green color

• Stronger, slightly more bitter taste

• Affordable compared to Ceremonial grade

Best For:

• Matcha ice cream

• Baking(cookies)

• Desserts(cakes)

Culinary matcha is made for a different purpose!

 

✨ New Matcha Grade Coming Soon 📣

Looking for matcha that’s smooth, vibrant, and affordable? We’ve got something special on the way🌱 Our newest matcha grade is almost here! More updates coming soon 🌟