What are The Different Types of Matcha?

Time : 2025.09.10 Page View : 403 Author : AMULYN

Ceremonial Grade Matcha

Ceremonial grade matcha is the highest quality of matcha powder, traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies. It is made from the youngest tea leaves (harvested in the first flush) and stems are carefully removed to ensure a vibrant green color and smooth texture. This grade has a delicate, slightly sweet flavor with minimal bitterness, making it ideal for drinking as a pure tea. It is typically whisked with hot water (70–80°C) and served without additives. Due to its labor-intensive production process and premium quality, ceremonial grade matcha is the most expensive option.

Daily Grade Matcha

Daily grade matcha, also known as "premium" or "latte grade," is slightly lower in quality than ceremonial grade but still offers excellent flavor. It is made from slightly older tea leaves or later harvests, resulting in a slightly more robust and earthy taste. This grade is versatile and works well for everyday drinking, such as matcha lattes, smoothies, or iced tea. Its balanced flavor profile and affordability make it a popular choice for those who enjoy matcha regularly but don’t want to splurge on ceremonial grade.

Culinary Grade Matcha

Culinary grade matcha is specifically designed for cooking and baking. It has a stronger, more astringent flavor and a slightly duller green color compared to ceremonial or daily grades. This robust taste holds up well when mixed with other ingredients, making it perfect for recipes like matcha cookies, cakes, ice cream, or savory dishes. While not ideal for traditional tea preparation, culinary grade is budget-friendly and provides a vibrant color and flavor boost to culinary creations.

RFQ: Common Questions About Matcha

Try the finger test to assess the quality of your matcha powder？

Rub a small amount of matcha between your fingers. High-quality matcha will feel silky smooth and leave a bright green residue. Lower-quality powders may feel gritty or chalky and leave a yellowish tint. This test helps identify texture and color purity, key indicators of freshness and processing standards.

How do you compare different matcha powders and their quality?

Compare matcha by examining:

Color: Vibrant green indicates high chlorophyll content and freshness.
Aroma: Fresh, grassy scents suggest quality; stale or hay-like smells signal lower grades.
Taste: Premium matcha is smooth and slightly sweet; bitterness or harshness points to lower grades.
Origin: Japanese matcha (e.g., Uji, Nishio) is generally superior due to strict cultivation standards.

Which grade of matcha is better for your health?

All grades contain antioxidants like EGCG, but ceremonial grade has the highest nutrient density due to its young leaves and minimal processing. However, daily and culinary grades still offer health benefits. Choose based on your budget and consumption habits—regular intake of any grade is better than none!

How to choose which matcha grade is best for you?

Ceremonial: For purists who enjoy traditional tea.
Daily: For frequent drinkers who mix with milk or sweeteners.
Culinary: For cooking enthusiasts or those on a budget.

What is the best way to make matcha?

Sift 1–2 tsp matcha into a bowl.
Add 60–80ml hot water (70–80°C).
Whisk vigorously in a "W" motion until frothy.
Enjoy plain or add milk/sweetener for a latte.

Should I buy a different matcha for baking than for drinking?

Yes! Culinary grade is better for baking due to its strong flavor and affordability. Ceremonial or daily grades are wasted in recipes where their subtlety is masked by other ingredients.

Does matcha have more caffeine than coffee?

A teaspoon of matcha (~2g) contains ~70mg caffeine, while a cup of coffee has ~95mg. However, matcha’s caffeine is released slowly due to L-theanine, providing sustained energy without jitters.