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We are truly fascinated by Matcha and all its culinary possibilities, whether enjoyed as a pure, elegant green tea infusion, a refreshing Matcha latte, or a refined ingredient in delicious desserts. Matcha is divided into different grades, which should be considered based on how you plan to use it. These grades differ in flavor and harvest time, each playing an important role in the diverse world of Japanese green tea. In this article, we explain the differences between these Matcha specialties for both newcomers and connoisseurs.
Ceremonial vs. Premium: A Comparison of High-Quality Matcha Grades
Once you’ve developed a taste for Matcha, it’s hard to let go. The various names and quality levels of this green tea specialty can be confusing at first. That's why we'll take a closer look at the two highest Matcha quality grades: Ceremonial Matcha and Premium Matcha. What defines them, and how do they differ?
Ceremonial Grade: The Star of Tea Ceremonies
The most sought-after Matcha grade is known as Ceremonial Matcha, and for good reason. This Matcha is used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, celebrated according to centuries-old traditions and strict protocols. Ceremonial Matcha captivates with its refined, sweet, and mild flavor that creates a true aromatic explosion with deep umami notes on the palate. Its brilliant, bright green color speaks to its exceptional quality.
The production process is as demanding as it is unique. The tea leaves used to produce Ceremonial Matcha grow for several weeks under full shade on specifically designed tea fields. This method enhances chlorophyll and amino acid production, intensifying the tea’s unique taste and rich green color. Ceremonial Matcha comes from the first harvest of the year and is made exclusively from Tencha, using only the most flavorful, de-veined, and de-stemmed leaves. This meticulous process underscores the exclusivity of Ceremonial Grade Matcha, making it the undisputed star of any tea ceremony.
Premium Grade: High-Quality Enjoyment for Connoisseurs
As a green tea enthusiast, you don’t want to compromise on taste and quality in your daily indulgence. Premium Grade Matcha impresses with its rich color and unique spectrum of complex aromas, similar to Ceremonial Grade. Unlike Ceremonial Grade, made exclusively from the First Flush harvest, Premium Grade Matcha is a blend of the first and second harvests of the year, which occur from early June to early July. This gives it a fresh, grassy note and a subtle sweetness, accompanied by an elegant touch of bitterness. This makes it versatile; you can enjoy it pure, as latte, or even with coconut water. The Uji region near Kyoto is renowned for producing exceptional green teas.
Culinary Creations: Matcha for the Kitchen
Matcha is a culinary all-rounder and popular beyond just as a beverage. In Japan and other East Asian countries, you’ll find many delicious desserts with intense green tea aroma, such as cookies, mochi, or Matcha cheesecake.
Culinary (Cooking) Grade: Matcha for Cooking
Culinary Grade Matcha rounds out our journey through Matcha grades. As the name suggests, it’s ideal for creative drinks and dessert recipes. It’s made from later harvests in summer and fall, giving it a more muted green color and a slightly earthy note. Its taste retains the characteristic freshness while offering a stronger bitterness that complements other flavors when baking. This ensures the distinctive green tea flavor remains pronounced in sweet dishes and harmonizes with other components. Culinary Grade Matcha is the perfect choice for anyone looking to experiment with Matcha in the kitchen.
Matcha for Lattes
Try the unique umami of Matcha another way, for example, as a Matcha latte. To prepare this trendy drink, sift 1-2 teaspoons of Matcha powder into 300 ml of milk and add your preferred sweetener. Then, froth everything together. The combination of robust green tea and silky, creamy milk promises a special culinary delight. Both Premium Matcha and Culinary Grade Matcha are perfect for this indulgent beverage.
Specialties & Distinctions: Discover Rare Matcha Varieties
Beyond standard quality categories, there are Specialty Grade Matchas. These are high-quality Matcha types that stand out through distinct flavors, textures, and taste components. These exclusive Matchas often transcend the usual quality categories and are perfect for enthusiasts seeking special tea experiences.
Specialty Grade: For Special Occasions
Shizuoka, Japan's largest tea-growing area, is known for loose green teas that gain a particularly sweet umami aroma from the typical Japanese steaming method, but it also produces rare Matchas. These are characterized by subtle, balanced profiles with pronounced bitter notes that complement the tea's fresh grassy taste.
Organic & Kōkyū: Natural Quality Enjoyment
The Kyoto Prefecture on Japan's main island of Honshu is known as the birthplace of Matcha. The renowned Matcha from this region is called Kōkyū, which translates simply to “high quality,” and is often enjoyed as Ceremonial Grade Matcha in traditional tea ceremonies. In southern Japan, on the island of Kyushu, lies the Kagoshima growing area, characterized by fertile volcanic terrain that produces particularly flavorful varieties. The nutrient-rich soil in this region gives the leaves a rich sweetness and pronounced umami notes, making them an ideal treat for connoisseurs.
PAPER & TEA Selection: Find Your Perfect Matcha
Explore the fascinating diversity of the Matcha world with PAPER & TEA. Our SHINTO MATCHA captivates with subtle almond notes and characteristic green freshness, perfect for daily enjoyment. For special tea ceremonies, Ceremonial KONOMI DO MATCHA is the ideal choice, with noble cherry blossom nuances and a distinct umami sweetness—a true luxury experience with every sip. If you want to get creative in the kitchen, MAHŌ MATCHA, as Culinary Grade Matcha, is the perfect base for Matcha lattes or pancakes.
All of our Matchas are harvested, processed, and made on traditional farms in the renowned Kagoshima Prefecture. The unique taste reflects the special growing conditions of the volcanic region. This finely ground green tea wonder contains not only an extraordinary aroma but also the passion and appreciation for time-honored tea traditions and expert cultivation. Find more background on our varieties in our Matcha story.
