- The Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu) is an ancient, highly codified art centered on matcha.
- The term "ceremonial-grade matcha" is not regulated outside Japan: Kumiko prefers to talk about premium organic matcha.
- All Kumiko organic matchas (except culinary-grade matcha) are suitable for the ceremony, each with its own aromas.
- Preparing your matcha mindfully turns tasting into a soothing daily ritual.
Hello, it's Val from Kumiko Matcha,
I'm often asked how to prepare matcha tea properly, whether using a traditional bamboo whisk is essential, or how to recognize the quality of a matcha.
That's why today, I'd like to share with you some of my thoughts on what "ceremonial-grade matcha" really means, and offer you a way to turn the tasting of your daily matcha into a ritual whose preparation reflects who you are and lets you enjoy this moment in complete serenity.
Matcha and ceremony, my tips on video
In this video I share with you my ideas for enhancing your matcha experience:
I also talk about what ceremonial-grade matcha is and why none of our matchas carry this name.
Join me for this special moment of tasting and sharing, which I filmed in nature on an island in Thailand.
Enjoy the video!
Origins and history of the tea ceremony
In Japan, the tea ceremony is an ancient and highly codified art. It takes place in a dedicated room, the "chashitsu" (茶室, tea room), imbued with a zen aesthetic. The host serves matcha accompanied by a Japanese sweet called wagashi. No detail is left to chance when serving guests, which is why it takes many years of practice to master.
The history of the tea ceremony dates back several centuries and is intertwined with zen Buddhism. Introduced to Japan by Chinese monks, tea was quickly adopted as a meditative drink. Matcha, this refined ground green tea, became a central element of this ritual practice. The tea ceremony developed into a form of unique art, refined and deeply rooted in Japanese culture.
This close connection with zen Buddhism allows practitioners to reach a state of mindfulness, where every gesture is performed with attention and respect. It is more than a simple tea preparation; it is a path to inner tranquility and spiritual connection.
Evolution through the centuries
Over the centuries, the Japanese tea ceremony has evolved, integrating diverse influences and perfecting its techniques. From simple monastery gatherings, it became a complex celebration of Japanese culture, combining architecture, gardening, ceramics and calligraphy. This evolution reflects the importance given to every detail, guaranteeing a holistic and immersive experience.
Today, the tea ceremony continues to be an essential part of modern Japanese society, while remaining faithful to its ancient roots. It embodies the values of peace, respect and harmony, championed by the sages of the past and adapted to contemporary needs.
147 personnes bought a Kumiko Matcha this month after reading this article.
Why don't I use the term "ceremonial-grade matcha"?
When you visit the Kumiko Matcha website, you may be surprised not to find any ceremonial-grade matcha as you usually see elsewhere.
In fact, outside Japan, the term "ceremonial-grade matcha" is not regulated, meaning anyone can legally give this title to a matcha tea.
Since the "ceremonial-grade matcha" label is overused, it has become generic and has lost its meaning.
That's why I prefer to talk about premium organic matcha, ultra-premium organic, hyperpremium organic, or to highlight the name of the cultivar or the producer behind the matchas we sell.
Quiz · 60 sec
Quel matcha pour ta cérémonie ?
4 questions, 60 seconds — tested and approved by 3000+ drinkers.
Start the quiz
Quiz · 60 sec
Quel matcha pour ta cérémonie ?
4 questions, 60 seconds — tested and approved by 3000+ drinkers.
Start the quizWhich matcha tea should you use for your ceremony?
Apart from culinary-grade matcha, all the organic matchas I offer are suitable for the tea ceremony.
Each matcha has its own character, its aromatic notes, and its story. They can all, each in their own way, bring something to your ceremony.
Depending on the type of tea you want to prepare, usucha or light tea, or the more traditional koicha, thick tea, the ideal matcha may also be more or less strong, aromatic...
Pure Saemidori cultivar — the excellence of Japanese ceremonial grade
Perfect balance of flavors — powerful umami, floral sweetness, zero bitterness
Concentrated benefits — L-theanine (focus & serenity) + natural antioxidants
Certified organic JP-organic-005
Suitable for all your rituals — from traditional ceremony to modern latte
30-Day Quality Guarantee
We are so confident that you will love Matcha KUMIKO that we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. Simply return your unopened box within 30 days for a full refund.
The importance of ceramic utensils
In the tea ceremony, utensils are not just tools but symbols of the deep bond between humankind and nature. Each piece, often handmade by artisans, carries within it a part of history and tradition. Using these objects every day enriches the tea-drinking experience, making it even more special and meaningful.
For wellness enthusiasts who care about the environment, choosing quality utensils made in Japan also reflects a commitment to planet-friendly craftsmanship. The minimalism and elegance of ceramic utensils add a touch of aesthetics and serenity to your moments of relaxation, reminding you of the essential values of simplicity and naturalness.
The essential accessories
Browse our selection and find exactly what you need.
How to incorporate the tea ceremony into your daily life?
While the tea ritual in Japan is complex and time-consuming to perform every day, I found in it a beauty and an example for creating one's own personal ceremony, capable of adding a spiritual and meditative dimension to drinking matcha.
Whether you are alone or with company, the essential thing is to create a beautiful moment, as well as a pleasant tasting experience.
What is your intention?
- Do you want to make this ritual a moment of solo relaxation, or offer a shared experience?
- Where do you want to prepare your tea? Do you want to showcase a room in your home, or enjoy a moment in the great outdoors?
- Which utensils, and which matcha do you want to use? What is their story? Which artisan made them? From which harvest, and from which tea plant, do the tea leaves come?
What is your state of mind?
What happens in my head when I prepare my matcha?
It is interesting to approach matcha preparation as a form of meditation: taking the time to prepare your tea mindfully, with your concentration focused on your gestures.
It is also a multisensory experience: I like to take the time to touch my tea bowl, to feel its texture. To smell the scent of the matcha green tea powder, then the one released when the tea meets the hot water. The sound produced by the bamboo whisk rubbing against the bowl to create a beautiful froth. To admire the color of the liquor, the beautiful vivid green of a quality matcha.
Also taking more time to see, to feel and to listen to the sounds of your surroundings to appreciate the present moment.
And finally drinking the precious tea, the result of blending the fine green powder with hot water, and perceiving its umami, its freshness and its pleasant velvety texture...
What is the difference between several matchas? Taste and compare
Another possibility is to taste several matchas one after the other (in small quantities rather), to detect their similarities and differences.
Appreciate what each of them can offer in terms of flavors, aromas and textures, and perhaps find the best matcha for you.
You can also try taking tasting notes to describe the taste and the sensations you feel: an exercise that is difficult at first, but also very interesting!
Find your ideal matcha 🍵
Browse our selection and find exactly what you need.
Simplified steps for a first Japanese tea ceremony
To get the best possible introduction to the Japanese tea ceremony, follow these simple steps:
- Choose high-quality ingredients, starting with an authentic matcha.
- Arrange your utensils in a clean and peaceful environment.
- Use about half a teaspoon of matcha per cup.
- Add a small amount of hot water (70-80°C) to the matcha and whisk vigorously with a bamboo whisk until a froth forms.
- Savor each sip, fully appreciating the unique taste and aroma of matcha.
This way, even as a novice, you will already be able to feel the soothing and revitalizing benefits of this ancient art.
Thank you for being part of the community 🙏💚🍵
- Val from Kumiko Matcha 🍵
