Matcha

Grades of Matcha

1. Culinary Grade Matcha:

   • Description: Culinary grade matcha is suitable for cooking and baking. It has a stronger, more robust flavor compared to higher grades, making it perfect for recipes where matcha is mixed with other ingredients.
   • Uses: Ideal for smoothies, lattes, desserts, and savory dishes.
   • Characteristics: Less delicate, slightly more bitter taste, and darker green color.

2. Premium Grade Matcha:

   • Description: Premium grade matcha offers a balance between quality and cost. It has a smoother flavor and finer texture than culinary grade, but is not as refined as ceremonial grade.
   • Uses: Perfect for everyday drinking, mixed in beverages like matcha lattes, or used in health and wellness products.
   • Characteristics: Smoother taste, vibrant green color, and a fine texture.

3. Ceremonial Grade Matcha:

   • Description: Ceremonial grade matcha is the highest quality matcha available, specifically grown and processed for traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. It is made from the youngest tea leaves, providing a delicate, sweet flavor and a creamy texture.
   • Uses: Best enjoyed as a plain tea, whisked with hot water, to appreciate its full flavor and aroma.
   • Characteristics: Bright green color, smooth and sweet taste, with a creamy, frothy consistency when prepared.

4. Other Specialty Matcha Products:

   • Hojicha Powder: Made from roasted green tea leaves, offering a toasty, caramel-like flavor.
   • Genmaicha Powder: A blend of matcha and roasted brown rice, providing a nutty, aromatic taste.
   • Blue Butterfly Pea Tea Powder: Not traditional matcha, but often used similarly for its vibrant blue color and health benefits.