Matcha Grades: Ceremonial vs Culinary

What Makes Matcha Different

Matcha is shade-grown green tea leaves ground into fine powder. Shading boosts chlorophyll and L-theanine for vivid green color and umami.

Ceremonial Grade

• First harvest leaves
• Vibrant jade green
• Smooth, sweet, umami-rich
• $25-50 per 30g
• Best for: whisked tea, lattes

Culinary Grade

• Later harvest leaves
• Duller green
• More bitter, astringent
• $10-20 per 100g
• Best for: baking, ice cream, smoothies

Is Premium Worth It for Cooking?

No. The subtle umami disappears when mixed with flour, sugar, or dairy.

Storage

Sealed in fridge or freezer. Use within 2 months of opening. Light turns it yellow and bitter.

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