Different qualities for different applications
Matcha is a powdered tea from Japan, made from hand-picked tea leaves (tencha) that have undergone a special process. After picking, the leaves are steamed, dried, and ground into a fine green powder. For more detailed information, please refer to Blog 5. The unique thing about matcha is that you consume the entire leaf in powder form. This means more antioxidants, caffeine, chlorophyll, and flavor than with regular green tea, where you only drink the infusion of the leaves. Matcha has many uses thanks to its distinctive flavor in powder form. If you delve a little deeper into matcha, you'll quickly encounter various terms: ceremonial matcha, premium matcha, and culinary matcha. But what's the difference between the three? And more importantly: which one should you stock up on for your daily latte, smoothie, or moment of zen?
The differences between ceremonial, premium, and culinary matcha revolve around quality, flavor, price, application, and origin. Ceremonial matcha is the highest quality matcha and is specifically made to be consumed neat, often as part of traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. Premium matcha is matcha for everyday use, yet still of high quality. Culinary matcha is intended for cooking or baking, not for drinking neat.
Ceremonial matcha: pure, soft & zen
Ceremonial matcha is the crème de la crème of matcha. This variety is used during traditional Japanese tea ceremonies (hence the name). Everything revolves around quality, flavor, and the experience. This grade is made from the youngest tea leaves of the first harvest (first flush). Its color is bright green and very finely ground (velvety). The flavor is mild, umami-like, and not bitter. To fully develop its flavor, it is mixed only with water.
Ceremonial matcha is meant to be savored slowly. A moment of tranquility. It's a bit like a fine glass of wine or a cup of artisanal filter coffee. You drink it for the taste, the aroma, the experience.
Premium quality matcha: versatile & affordable
As you now know, there's quite a difference between ceremonial, premium, and culinary grade matcha. Premium-grade matcha is for everyday use. This grade, while still high-quality, is primarily used to make delicious lattes. Leaves from the first or second harvest (or a combination of both) are used. The color is a beautiful green, and a good premium-grade matcha is certainly not bitter. While slightly less refined than ceremonial matcha, it's still very tasty.
Premium quality matcha is perfect for anyone who wants to drink matcha every day but doesn't necessarily want to spend a fortune on a can. This quality can be made with either water or (plant-based) milk. TIP: Premium quality matcha also tastes delicious as an iced latte made with coconut milk.
Culinary matcha: beneficial for cooking & baking
Matcha is much more accessible and is often used for cooking and baking. That doesn't mean it's bad—it's simply made differently and intended differently. Culinary matcha is made from older tea leaves (later harvests, often in the fall). The color is more olive or yellowish/brown, and this grade is ground more coarsely. The higher catechin content makes the matcha slightly more bitter. This flavor is better developed when other ingredients like milk, sugar, or chocolate are added.
Culinary matcha is intended for use in cooking. Because the production requirements for this grade are less strict, it can be produced more cost-effectively. You often need a larger quantity for a dish, making this grade a better choice price-wise. Recipes often focus on the color and a subtle umami flavor.
Finally
All quality matcha contains caffeine, L-theanine, and other beneficial compounds. Because ceremonial matcha is made from younger leaves, it often contains slightly more L-theanine and has a milder flavor. Matcha from later harvests will contain increasingly more catechins, resulting in a more bitter taste.
A tip from The Matcha Man: try not to drink culinary matcha neat, as the bitterness can be quite unpleasant. Conversely, it's a shame to use ceremonial matcha in a cake . So the difference isn't just in the leaf itself, but in how it's processed, prepared, and ultimately enjoyed.
Let us surprise you with our sophisticated matcha range in different qualities: