Matcha Grades: Types of Qualities to Know

Table of Contents

Matcha Grades Explained: Which is Best for You?
Different Grades of Matcha
   Key Differences of Matcha Grades
Ceremonial Grade Matcha
Daily Grade Matcha
Culinary Grade Matcha
How to Assess Matcha Quality
Choosing the Right Matcha for Your Needs
FAQ
   What is AAA Matcha?
   Can daily grade matcha be used for making matcha lattes?
   How can I tell if matcha is high quality?
   Is culinary grade matcha suitable for drinking?
Conclusion

Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder loved for its taste and cultural significance. It offers many options. In this post, we will explain matcha grades because not all matcha is the same.

The grade of matcha changes its taste, color, price, and use. Whether you have enjoyed matcha for a long time or are new to green tea, it is important to know the differences. Different grades of matcha show the quality of the tea leaves, when they were picked, and how the powder is made. All these affect your experience.

Whether you drink a traditional bowl or add matcha to your favorite recipes, knowing the types of matcha will help you choose well and enjoy this Japanese green tea fully.

Different Grades of Matcha

Matcha has three grades: ceremonial, daily (also called premium), and culinary. These grades show the different types of matcha, each made for a certain use and quality.

People grade matcha based on flavor, color, and texture. These come from which part of the tea plant is used, when the leaves are picked, and how the tea plants are cared for. The idea of matcha grade helps people pick the right matcha.

High quality matcha comes from Japan. Uji and Yame are famous places, but grading can change between makers.

Ceremonial grade matcha comes from the youngest first harvest leaves of the tea plant. It is prized for its bright green color, sweet taste, and smooth feel. People mainly use it for traditional Japanese tea ceremonies or to drink plain.

Daily grade matcha comes from the second harvest or a mix of first and second harvest leaves from well-cared-for tea plants. It has a balanced taste and works well for everyday drinking, like matcha lattes and cocktails.

Culinary grade matcha comes from leaves picked later in the season. It has a stronger taste with a rougher feel. People mainly use it for cooking, baking, and drinks. It is the cheapest option.

In looks, ceremonial matcha is bright emerald green. Daily grade is bright but less vivid. Culinary grade is less bright and a bit darker green.

Here is a table to help you see which type fits you and your use.

Key Differences of Matcha Grades

Ceremonial Grade Matcha

Ceremonial grade matcha is the top grade of matcha green tea powder. People use it in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. For those who want the best, organic ceremonial matcha is an organic choice for these events. Its features:

• It uses the youngest first-harvest leaves. The stems and veins are removed to keep pure, tasty, and high quality tea powder.

• The leaves are ground with a stone mill to make a fine powder.

• It has a smooth feel and bright emerald color. These show its quality. Japanese green tea is enjoyed worldwide for its unique taste. The flavor of ceremonial grade matcha is special. It tastes sweet and smooth with a slight bitterness. It is best to drink it plain. Unlike culinary grade matcha, which is often mixed with other things, ceremonial matcha is meant to be drunk without milk or sweeteners to enjoy its subtle taste.

Making matcha for a tea ceremony is an art. The matcha powder is whisked with hot water using a bamboo whisk (chasen) to make a frothy drink. This way honors the long history of Japanese tea ceremony rituals.

Joining these ceremonies is a calm and mindful experience. It connects you with the tea and its past.

When you pick ceremonial grade matcha, look for bright green color. This shows its quality and freshness. Always choose matcha that looks lively and bright. It means it comes from the best leaves and is made with care.

Daily Grade Matcha

Daily grade matcha is for those who want to enjoy matcha green tea in everyday life with good quality and reasonable price. This grade is sometimes called traditional grade matcha or premium grade. It balances quality and price. Many drink this grade several times a day. It costs less and has less caffeine than ceremonial grade.

It is a good matcha for everyday use and is common in many homes.

Daily grade matcha tastes balanced. It is neither too sweet nor too bitter. This matcha works well in many drinks, matcha lattes, cocktails, and other beverages.

Its strong taste can mix well with milk, sweeteners, and other things. This makes it a popular choice for new recipes.

One good thing about daily grade matcha is its flexibility. Whether you make iced matcha tea or creamy matcha latte, this grade works well.

It costs less than ceremonial grade matcha. So it is a good choice for people who want matcha every day without losing quality.

Culinary Grade Matcha

Culinary grade matcha is strong and flexible matcha green tea powder for cooking and baking. Features:

• It uses leaves from the second, third, or later harvest.

• It can mix well with other ingredients.

• It has a bold taste.

• The flavor is often savory and slightly bitter.

• It is not ceremonial grade matcha.

Culinary grade matcha has subgrades for different uses. From smoothies and desserts to savory dishes, this matcha fits many recipes. Lower grade culinary matcha may taste more bitter or less like matcha in baked goods.

Choosing sweeteners in recipes like matcha lattes, smoothies, or desserts can help balance the taste and make the experience better, especially with lower grade matcha.

Leaves from the third harvest make matcha that is rougher and more bitter. This makes culinary grade matcha a cost-effective choice for cafes and restaurants that need large amounts.

Though it is lower quality than ceremonial grade matcha, culinary matcha still has a strong and enjoyable taste when used well.

When you pick culinary grade matcha, think about the recipe and the taste you want. Whether you add matcha to a smoothie, bake a cake, or cook a savory dish, there is a subgrade of culinary matcha that fits your need.

Subgrades of Culinary Grade Matcha

Here are the subgrades of culinary grade matcha, each for certain uses:

1. Premium Culinary Grade
   This subgrade has higher quality culinary matcha with a smoother feel and less bitterness. It works well in recipes where matcha flavor should show but not be too strong, like in smoothies and lattes.

2. Cafe Grade
   Made for drinks like matcha lattes and frappes, cafe grade matcha has a balanced taste. It mixes well with milk and sweeteners and tastes good without too much bitterness.

3. Ingredient Grade
   This subgrade is for baking and cooking where matcha mixes with other strong flavors. It has a strong and slightly bitter taste, good for cakes, cookies, and sweets.

4. Kitchen Grade
   Kitchen grade matcha is a cheaper choice for large cooking and baking. It has a stronger, more bitter taste and rougher feel. It fits recipes where matcha is not the main flavor.

5. Classic Grade
   The cheapest culinary matcha subgrade, classic grade is used in commercial food making. It has strong bitterness and rough texture. It works where matcha taste is mild or covered by other flavors.

How to Judge Matcha Quality

To judge matcha green tea powder, look at several things. Knowing what makes matcha good is key. Think about the grade (ceremonial or culinary) and compare products and reviews to choose well.

• The most clear sign is color. Good matcha has a bright green color.

• Bright color means fresh and young leaves.

• Dull or yellowish matcha means lower quality and older leaves.

Texture matters too:

• Fine matcha feels smooth and powdery like talcum powder.

• When you rub it between fingers, it should feel silky, not rough.

• Lower grade matcha used in cooking may feel rough and less fine, sometimes gritty.

Taste tells the most about matcha’s quality. Good matcha has a sweet, complex flavor with a soft umami taste. Lower grade matcha tastes bitter and dull.

To really know matcha’s quality, try the finger test. This means tasting and feeling different matcha powders and their flavors. This old Japanese method helps you tell good matcha from the best matcha.

Which Matcha to Choose

Choosing matcha depends on your use and taste. Matcha has three main grades: ceremonial, daily, and culinary. Each is for different uses.

Ceremonial grade matcha comes from first harvest leaves. It is the highest quality. People whisk it with water and drink it plain for its fine taste. It is good for tea ceremonies or those who want real matcha. Some ceremonial blends also work well for matcha lattes and iced drinks without losing quality.

Daily grade matcha tastes balanced and works well for regular use. It is good for matcha lattes, cocktails, and other drinks. It is good quality and affordable for daily use.

Culinary grade matcha is for cooking and baking. It has a strong and slightly bitter taste. It can mix into recipes well. It is budget-friendly and good when matcha mixes with strong flavors.

To find your matcha, think about how you will use it: ceremonial for tea ceremonies, daily for daily drinks, or culinary for cooking and baking.

Trying sample packs helps you compare flavors and feel before buying. Think about your taste, caffeine needs, and budget to pick the best matcha for you.

FAQs

What is AAA matcha?

AAA matcha is a term for high quality matcha powder. It usually means matcha with bright green color, smooth feel, and rich taste. But it is not an official or set grade in the matcha grading system. Its meaning can change between brands.

Can Daily Grade Matcha Be Used for Matcha Lattes?

Yes, daily grade matcha works well for matcha lattes because of its balanced taste and price.

How to Tell if Matcha is Good Quality?

To check if matcha is good quality, look for bright green color, fine and smooth feel, and complex sweet taste. These show premium matcha.

Can Culinary Grade Matcha Be Drunk?

You can drink culinary grade matcha, but it is better for cooking and baking because it has a stronger and more bitter taste than ceremonial grade matcha.

Conclusion

Knowing the main matcha grades—ceremonial, daily, and culinary—helps you pick the best matcha green tea powder.

Ceremonial grade matcha comes from first harvest leaves. It has a fine taste and bright green color. It is good for tea ceremonies and plain drinking.

Daily grade matcha is balanced and flexible. It is good for everyday drinking, including matcha lattes and other drinks.

Culinary grade matcha has a strong and slightly bitter taste. It is for cooking, baking, and mixing into recipes.

When you pick matcha, think about color, texture, and taste to get the best quality for your use. Whether you like the sweetness of ceremonial matcha or the boldness of culinary grade, each has its own good points. Try different grades to find what fits your taste and life best.

Enjoy the world of matcha and the variety of flavors each grade offers.

Ready to explore and find your perfect matcha? Browse our exclusive matcha collections and experience the finest Japanese green tea for every occasion!

Disclaimer

This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice or make any health claims. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or health routine.