Not all Matcha is alike.
There are, in fact, different Matcha grades available. Knowing each grade and their properties allows you to make the best-informed decision about which one is right for you.
The Different Matcha Grades
Matcha comes in three popular grades.
- Culinary
- Premium or Latte
- Ceremonial
Each of these grades is best suited to a particular purpose.
The different Matcha grades can be determined based on their time of harvest, affecting the eventual product in aspects ranging from color to taste to nutritional composition.
Culinary Grade Matcha
Due to its later harvesting date, the tea leaves are exposed to higher levels of sunlight which increases its catechin levels. Higher catechin levels leads to a more astringent taste.
Culinary grade Matcha is stone-ground more rapidly, resulting in larger particle size. Some grittiness can be expected when drunk on its own, which may not be your cup of tea.
However, this grade of matcha has its charm - a strong and slightly bitter umami allows it to work well when used as part of a recipe. While it may not be suitable for drinking, culinary grade Matcha is, as the name suggests, designed for baking and cooking.
The earthy flavour and astringency shines through even when mixed with other ingredients such as batter for muffins and cookies. This is why we name our culinary grade Matcha powder “Patissier Matcha powder”!
The right culinary grade Matcha strikes a balance between quality and cost, so breaking the bank is not necessary for flavorful Matcha bakes.
Premium or Latte
Although a subset of the culinary grade, premium barista-grade Matcha has a higher quality, making it perfect for pairing with other beverages.
As with other culinary grades, it may not be palatable when consumed in its pure form due to bitterness. Baking causes this grade of powder to lose its color and flavor- we recommend you skip the oven.
However, it serves as a vibrant dust of finish. to your Matcha pastries.
Intense grassy notes and bittersweet undertones are characteristic of this grade of Matcha powder, striking the right balance between strength, bitterness, and taste.
Premium barista-grade Matcha has a smaller particle size as well, and can be whisked to form a more homogenous mixture.
When mixed with milk and sugar, this grade of matcha clumps less and produces a silkier, less powdery beverage which is key to making an excellent Matcha Latte.
Ceremonial Grade
Used for centuries in traditional tea ceremonies in Japan, this is the highest grade of Matcha available.
This grade is produced from the first harvest. The tea leaves are the youngest and least exposed to sunlight, which increases their chlorophyll content. Ceremonial grade Matcha powder thus, has the most vibrant shade of green amongst the different grades.
The stems and veins are removed before the leaves are ground to a powder. Hence, the Matcha created from the process has a naturally fine texture and sweet flavor.
Thicker than the other grades of Matcha, it froths beautifully. Smooth and sumptuous with just a hint of bitterness- perfectly suited for every day drinking.
Ceremonial grade Matcha should be consumed in its original form to fully experience the finest tea cultivars have to offer.
The stems and veins are removed before the leaves are ground to a powder. Hence, the Matcha created from the process has a naturally fine texture and sweet flavor.
Thicker than the other grades of Matcha, it froths beautifully. Smooth and sumptuous with just a hint of bitterness- perfectly suited for every day drinking.
Ceremonial grade Matcha should be consumed in its original form to fully experience the finest tea cultivars have to offer.
Conclusion: Different Matcha Grades for Different Uses
Bottom line, choosing the right Matcha boils down to how you are intending to use it.
Culinary grades of Matcha, including premium barista-grade should be used when mixing with food or beverages.
While ceremonial grade Matcha should be consumed as it is.
The aforementioned different Matcha grades are sold separately so you can choose the best Matcha that is suited for your needs.
We hope this helps to enhance your Matcha experience!
Umami
Bitter
Smooth
Aroma
Colour
Suggested Use
PATISSIER
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Baked pastries and desserts (e.g. lava cakes, cupcakes, cookies)
BARISTA
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Lattes, smoothies, or unbaked desserts (e.g. tiramisu, ice cream)
CEREMONIAL
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Traditional pure Matcha, or a really smooth Matcha Latte
