Just as there are varieties of fine wine, so there are of matcha. The Camellia sinensis tea plant grows all green tea, including matcha, where the similarities end. A host of factors determine the quality of the final matcha. Important variables lie in how the matcha is cultivated and processed and whether the matcha was hand-made, mechanically produced, or combinations of both methods. Notably, there aren't any industry standards for determining the grades of matcha, but to the discerning, certain unmistakable factors influence quality. We suggest looking for the brightest green, silkiest, finely ground powder as a prerequisite.

Ceremonial Matcha

So how will I know whether the matcha really is of Ceremonial Grade quality? There are tangible reasons for Ceremonial Grade Matcha being labelled quality matcha! Firstly, the most supple, tender, succulent, sweet leaves are selected from the top of the tea bushes and harvested from the first flush. We suggest looking for delicate, smooth, fresh, vegetal matcha powder. Ceremonial Matcha should be alive and bright green, never dull and bitter to the palate. Exclusive—because the pinnacle leaves are harvested for just two months in each year, typically between May and June. The length of shade-growing also critically determines whether the matcha should be categorised as Ceremonial Grade Matcha. The best quality matcha preferentially will be handpicked and ground by a granite stone mill yielding less than forty grams of powder in each hour. Best Ceremonial Grade Matcha is suited to the preparation of Koicha (thick tea) and Usucha (thin tea).

Culinary Matcha

Culinary Matcha comes from the lower stem of the tea plant, where the leaves are large and deep green. The leaf can be harvested year-round, thereby increasing the availability of Culinary Grade Matcha. The area in which Culinary Matcha is grown and harvested impacts cost structures. Thereby, Culinary Matcha is more affordable and suited to use in a variety of recipes. The distinctive deep green gives incredible interest to all kinds of recipes. The natural astringency of Culinary Grade Matcha balances flavour profiles perfectly in all types of cuisines and beverages and improves nutrition.

We invite you to celebrate with us the creative genius that matcha is! Matcha Cocktails add refinement and elegance when entertaining—and matcha also makes a great garnish! We recommend revitalising your favourite recipes by including organic matcha in them. For further recipe ideas, you might like to visit the list posted on our web page to help you create the matcha edge.