Matcha & It's Grades...
- Fit Matcha
- Jun 16, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 10, 2024
Matcha has been a cornerstone of Japanese culture for centuries. Its unique production process, rich flavour and numerous health benefits have captivated wellbeing enthusiasts around the globe. However, not all matcha is created equal. Understanding the different grades of matcha is crucial for appreciating its diverse uses and qualities. This article delves into the three main grades of matcha: ceremonial, premium and culinary. We'll start with our favourite grade - ceremonial....
Ceremonial Grade Matcha
Ceremonial grade matcha is the highest quality matcha available - hence why we use it at Fit Matcha. It is used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies and is characterised by its vibrant green colour, smooth texture and rich complex flavour with a natural sweetness. It is made from the youngest tea leaves which are shaded for up to four weeks before being harvested to increase chlorophyll and amino acid content.
Due to its superior quality and labor intensive production process, ceremonial grade matcha is the most expensive of the three grades.
Premium Grade Matcha
Premium grade matcha sits between ceremonial and culinary grades in terms of quality. While not as finely crafted as ceremonial grade, it still offers a pleasant flavor and vibrant colour making it suitable for both drinking and cooking. Premium grade matcha is made from slightly older tea leaves which still undergo shading, though for a shorter period compared to ceremonial grade.
Premium grade matcha is moderately priced making it accessible for daily use without compromising too much on quality.
Culinary Grade Matcha
Culinary grade matcha (also known as cooking grade matcha) is designed specifically for use in recipes. It has a more robust flavor and a slightly bitter taste which allows it to stand up well when mixed with other ingredients. This grade is made from the oldest tea leaves which are shaded for the shortest time and processed more quickly, resulting in a less vibrant green colour compared to higher grades.
It is widely used in commercial products such as matcha flavoured chocolates, snacks, and beverages.
Culinary grade matcha is the most affordable option, making it a practical choice for extensive use in cooking and large batch recipes.
Our Standard
While there are many brands of matcha available we at Fit Matcha believe in bringing you the best tasting and quality ceremonial matcha we can find. With our Original and naturally flavoured varieties we hope that more people explore the world of matcha and enjoy its wellbeing benefits as well as its taste!
