The 5 grades of matcha

The matcha , ce green tea powder Japanese, comes in 5 main grades, each suited to specific uses. We will help you understand the differences between these grades so you can choose the right one for your needs.

The 5 grades of matcha at a glance

To begin with, here is a simple summary of the 5 qualities of matcha tea :

• Ceremonial Grade : The most refined, ideal for pure tasting. Vibrant green jade colour, smooth taste rich in umami. To be consumed with hot water (70-80°C).
• Premium Grade : Perfect for everyday use. Balanced flavours, slightly less intense than ceremonial grade. Suitable for lattes and beverages.
• Culinary Grade : For culinary grade cooking and pastry making. Strong flavor, slightly bitter, perfect for recipes such as cakes, smoothies, or sauces.
• Grade Standard : A good compromise for simple drinks (lattes, milkshakes). Less intense but versatile and economical.
• Industrial Grade : Basic quality, used for processed or industrial products. Bitter taste and green-yellow colour.

Quick comparison table:

Tip : Choose a grade according to your needs. For pure tasting, choose the ceremonial grade. For cooking, the culinary grade is ideal. For everyday use, the premium grade is an excellent choice.

1. Ceremonial rank

The ceremonial grade represents the pinnacle of matcha. Produced from the first spring harvest, the ceremonial grade matcha stands out for its exceptional quality and careful craftsmanship that is realised with care.

Its bright green color reflects a high concentration of chlorophyll, obtained through strictly controlled shade growing. Its remarkably fine texture is the result of traditional stone milling.

Here are the main taste features of the ceremonial grade:

• Une umami flavour rich and deep
• Delicate vegetal notes
• A natural sweetness
• A total absence of bitterness
• A creamy and persistent finish

The ideal temperature for preparation is between 70 and 80°C. To fully enjoy its complex aromas, it is recommended to drink it pure, without milk or sugar.

This grade is traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies ( chakai or chaji ), where each step is realised with respect and harmony.

In addition to its refined taste, this matcha is a concentrated source of antioxidants, containing up to 137 times more than classic green tea. It is an ideal choice for those searching for a pure tasting experience while enjoying the benefits of matcha on a daily basis.

2. Premium Grade

The premium grade comes just after the ceremonial grade and offers an excellent compromise between quality and varied use. From the second harvest, the premium matcha retains refined features while being suitable for different preparations.

Its vibrant green colour, slightly darker than that of the ceremonial grade, indicates a high chlorophyll content. Its fine texture ensures perfect dissolution in water, creating a dense and smooth froth.

In terms of flavour, this grade offers balanced and complex nuances. Here's what sets it apart:

• A harmonious blend of sweetness and intensity
• Pronounced vegetal notes
• A smooth flavour without bitterness
• A long and pleasant finish

To prepare this matcha, it is recommended to heat the water to between 75 and 85°C. This grade can be enjoyed both in a latte and during tasting, where it reveals its full richness.

To recognise premium matcha of high quality, pay attention to these elements:

1. A bright green powder, a sign of controlled shade growing.
2. A fine, silky texture that is lump-free.
3. Rapid and uniform dissolution in water.

Thanks to its great versatility, the premium grade is ideal for everyday consumption, whether as a drink or in recipes. To preserve freshness, store it in an airtight container away from light, and ideally in the refrigerator after opening. This ensures that it retains all its qualities.

3. Culinary Grade

Culinary grade matcha is specially designed for cooking and baking. It has an intense flavour that stands out in a variety of dishes. Harvested from the second picking of tea leaves, it is an ingredient of choice in the kitchen.

Its green color, although less vivid than that of higher culinary grades, remains pleasant. The powder has a slightly more granular texture, but this does not affect its culinary performance.

The culinary matcha is ideal for:

• Pastries such as macarons, cakes, and cream puffs
• Milk-based drinks, such as matcha lattes and matcha smoothies
• Frozen desserts, including ice cream and sorbets
• Savory dishes, such as pasta and sauces

For better results, sift the powder before use, mix it with the dry ingredients, and use water heated to between 80 and 85°C.

Thanks to its powerful flavor, culinary matcha remains prominent even when combined with strong flavours such as chocolate, dairy products, or fruit. This makes it an essential ingredient for recipes where green tea should be highlighted.

For best results, choose a high-quality culinary matcha, ideally from Japan and certified. The freshness of the product is also essential to guarantee perfect results.

4. School level

The standard grade is characterized by a subtle balance between umami, astringency, and a slight bitterness. The powder has an attractive green hue, although less vivid than the ceremonial grade, with a fine, uniform texture that makes it easy to use.

This grade is ideal for several uses:

• Matcha lattes
• Cold or frozen drinks
• Smoothies and milkshakes
• Simple recipes where intense flavour is not necessary

Offering excellent value for money, this standard grade is perfect for discovering matcha. Its balanced taste is ideal for tasting matcha on its own or with milk or sweeteners. It is also suitable for individuals and catering professionals who want to offer high-quality matcha drinks.

5. Industrial Grade

Industrial grade represents the most basic quality, used mainly for mass production. The powder is distinguished by a coarse, grainy texture and a muted green-yellow hue. These characteristics clearly differentiate it from other grades.

A few key points to note about this grade:

• Strong astringency and marked bitterness
• A grainy texture due to rapid grinding
• An unattractive green-yellow colour
• An unbalanced taste with a low umami presence

Industrial-grade matcha is mainly intended for:

• The manufacture of processed food products
• Dietary supplements
• Industrial preparations where matcha is often diluted

Produced from late harvests, this grade undergoes rapid processing that is less careful than that used for higher grades. Its lower cost reflects this quality, making it ideal for applications where volume is more important than taste.

Comparative guide to ratings

Here is a summary table comparing the different terms. matcha grades and their main features.

These distinctions allow you to choose matcha based on the desired use.

Factors that influence ratings

Three main elements determine the differences between grades:

• Harvest period:
  • Ceremonial Grade : First spring harvest, offering a delicate and balanced flavour.
  • Lower grades : Later harvests, with older leaves offering more catechins and a more pronounced bitterness.
• Transformation process:
  • Higher grades : Ready-to-use stone mill, guaranteeing exceptional fineness.
  • Lower grades : Quick grinding, less refined.
• Usage:
  • Ceremonial grade and premium grade : Enjoy pure with hot water.
  • Culinary Grade : Perfect for pastries, milk drinks, and smoothies.
  • Standard and Industrial Grades : Intended for large-scale food production.

Les green tea leaves Issues from the first harvests offer a balanced taste, while those from later harvests accentuate bitterness, often sought after for specific uses. Whether you are searching for a traditional experience or a touch for your culinary creations, there is a matcha for every need.

How to Choose Your Matcha Quality

Discover your needs and follow this guide to select the grade of matcha that suits you. These recommendations complement our comparative table of ratings to help you make an informed choice.

For a Pure Tasting

Opt for the ceremonial grade if you wish savour the matcha simply with hot water (70–80 °C). This grade offers rich umami notes and natural sweetness.

For Everyday Consumption

The premium grade is ideal for lattes, iced drinks, or cocktails. It combines quality and reasonable price, perfect for regular use.

For Cooking and Pastry

The culinary grade , with its more pronounced flavor, is perfect for recipes such as pastries, smoothies, and other culinary creations.

Selection Criteria to Consider

Adapt your choice according to these criteria, in addition to the comparison table:

For beginners, the premium grade is an excellent option. It allows you to discover the nuances of matcha while remaining versatile. Once you are familiar with it, you can refine your choice according to your specific tastes and uses.

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