What is Ceremonial Matcha, and Is It the Only Grade Worth Drinking?

Ceremonial matcha is widely regarded as the pinnacle of matcha quality. Made from the youngest, shade-grown tea leaves of the first harvest, it is stone-ground into a vibrant, silky powder.

Designed for pure enjoyment without additives, ceremonial matcha offers a smooth, naturally sweet taste with no bitterness. But does this mean it’s the only grade of matcha worth drinking? Let’s dive deeper.

Product in feature: Ceremonial Uji Matcha 30g

What Defines Ceremonial Matcha?

Leaf Selection: Only the tenderest, most flavourful leaves from the top of the tea plant are used. Stems and veins are removed to ensure a smooth texture.
Processing: Ceremonial matcha is meticulously stone-ground to create a fine, velvety powder. This labor-intensive process preserves the colour and flavour.
Flavour Profile: Known for its balanced umami, slight natural sweetness, and lack of bitterness, ceremonial matcha is crafted for traditional tea preparation.

Should Ceremonial Matcha Be the Only Matcha You Drink?

While ceremonial matcha is ideal for drinking on its own, it’s not the only grade worth exploring.

Other matcha grades, known as "Latte Grade" are worth trying. Just because the blend is not entirely first harvest tea leaves, does not mean the flavour profiles are not drink-worthy.

Ceremonial Matcha: Best enjoyed in its pure form, whisked with water to savour its delicate flavours. Perfect for tea enthusiasts and those seeking a mindful experience.
Latte Grade: Made from slightly older tea leaves or a combination of young and old tea leaves, they offer bolder flavours that hold up well against milk, sweeteners, and other ingredients.

Choosing the right grade depends on your intended use. While ceremonial matcha offers the most authentic experience, other grades are versatile and cost-effective for everyday consumption or creative recipes.

Product in feature: Premium Izumo Matcha 50g

This blend is a combination of first and third harvest tea leaves, and is not a blend but a single cultivar Okumidori.

Single Cultivar vs. Matcha Blends

Another factor that influences the matcha experience is whether it’s made from a single cultivar or a blend of cultivars.

Single Cultivar Matcha: Produced using leaves from one specific tea cultivar (e.g., Yabukita or Okumidori), single-cultivar matcha has a distinct flavour profile that reflects the unique characteristics of that cultivar. It’s an excellent choice for matcha connoisseurs seeking a specific taste or sensory experience.
Matcha Blends: Combining multiple cultivars, blends balance the strengths of each to create a consistent, well-rounded flavour. For example, a blend might balance the sweetness of Saemidori with the robustness of Yabukita. These are ideal for those who enjoy a versatile and approachable matcha.

What’s Right for You?

Ceremonial matcha is unparalleled for its quality and purity, making it a top choice for traditional preparation and a mindful tea experience. However, other grades and blends have their place in your pantry, offering affordability and flexibility for lattes, baking, and more.

At Matcha Society, we offer both single-cultivar and blended matcha, ensuring there’s something for every preference. Whether you’re savouring ceremonial matcha or exploring latte creations, each sip brings you closer to the rich heritage of Japanese tea.