What Is Ceremonial Matcha And How Is It Different From Culinary Matcha?

In Japan, matcha is selected by considering a spectrum of quality, it is not categorized into fixed categories per se. However, outside Japan, matcha is often categorized into two grades: ceremonial matcha and culinary matcha. What is the difference between these two and can you use ceremonial matcha for culinary use?

Ceremonial Matcha VS Culinary Matcha

In Japan, matcha is not particularly divided into categories, then what’s the deal with terms like ceremonial and culinary matcha, and are there actual differences?

Ceremonial matcha and culinary matcha are differentiated from the usage. Ceremonial matcha is best enjoyed on its own, hence making it perfect for Japanese tea ceremonies. As with culinary matcha, it is intended for mixing into food and drinks like matcha desserts or lattes. 

Overall, matcha quality is determined through how it is cultivated, where it is grown, and the way it is processed. Some brands determine the matcha grade from the harvest time. For example, ceremonial matcha is made from first harvest tea leaves, and culinary matcha is made from second to later harvest. From what we know, first harvest tea does taste better than tea from later harvests. 

There Is No Official Standardization For Ceremonial And Culinary Matcha

There is no official standardization for matcha grades. In the end, the ‘ceremonial’ and ‘culinary’ terms are used to categorize usage and as a rule of thumb to differentiate between higher quality matcha and lower quality matcha in the US market. It is not an exact equation as each brand can differ slightly in how they determine the matcha quality, but it can be the first step to consider when deciding which matcha to buy.

How To Choose Matcha For Ceremonial Use

The tea ceremony requires high-quality matcha since the tea is the main star of the event. To know which matcha to choose for ceremonial use, you can decide based on these indicators:

• Choose matcha that uses tea from first harvest
• Real matcha is made from tencha tea leaves
• Vibrant green color
• Strong tea fragrance
• Umami
• Slight pleasant bitterness

How To Brew Matcha Correctly

When not brewed correctly, the deliciousness of good quality matcha can’t be enjoyed properly. 

The best way to brew matcha is to use a bamboo whisk. Right now, you can easily find bamboo whisk online for a reasonable price. The key to matcha brewing is to whisk the matcha in front-back linear motion instead of circular. 

It’s common for high-quality matcha to have clumps. This is caused by the static force during the stone milling process, so it is completely normal. To remove clumps, you can sift the matcha first before adding the water. You also need to whisk the matcha thoroughly to completely dilute it.

In the traditional tea ceremony itself, there are a lot of ways to brew matcha depending on the tea ceremony schools. Here, we will introduce the simplest way to brew matcha whether using traditional tools or using modern tools.

How To Brew Matcha
1. Add 1.5g (0.05oz) matcha into a small bowl or a mug
2. Pour 70ml water in 75 to 85 degrees Celcius (167~185 degrees Fahrenheit)
3. Whisk thoroughly with a bamboo whisk in fast linear motion until frothy. You can also use a milk foamer to whisk the matcha.

Recipes Using Matcha

Ceremonial matcha is usually best enjoyed on its own. But if you have a lot of leftover matcha, you can use ceremonial grade matcha for confectionary use. There is no fixed rule where you can use ceremonial matcha for culinary use or not. So, if you want to make a premium-grade matcha dessert, feel free to use premium quality matcha (even the ceremonial variant) for it.

Where to Buy Ceremonial Matcha

As the popularity of Japanese green tea and tea ceremony grows bigger every day, it’s easier to find matcha whether online, at a supermarket, or at a specialty tea shop. 

Ceremonial matcha is also available at Kawashimaya The Japan Store. 

Kawashimaya premium matcha is cultivated in the organic tea plantation located in an undeveloped natural valley of Ujitawara Town in Kyoto. We selectively harvest the first tea at the right time when the weather is cold to deliver the premium matcha green tea. We are highly committed to delivering safe, organic, high-quality matcha & green tea products while preserving the environment’s natural beauty with organic farming. 

Find the link below to check them out.

Find Matcha On Our Website

Also Available On Amazon USA

Matcha Health Benefits

• 1 cup matcha nutrients is equivalent to 10 cups of green tea
• Matcha contains 137 times more antioxidants (catechins) than green tea. It is a natural detox for our body
• Rich in active amino acids (L-thianine) that give relaxation, focus & calming effects
• Excellent energy source from Chrolophyll & Caffeine
• Zero-calorie tea that boosts metabolism and burns fat, ready to support your healthy diet

Matcha Q&A

What is the difference between ceremonial matcha and culinary matcha?

Ceremonial and culinary are terms that are used outside Japan to categorize matcha that is used for Japanese tea ceremonies and matcha for confectionary use. 

In terms of quality and taste, ceremonial matcha can be higher than culinary matcha. Since ceremonial matcha usually uses first harvest tea, the taste will be more exquisite, hence it’s better to enjoy it on its own.

Can I use ceremonial matcha for culinary purposes?

Ceremonial matcha is usually best enjoyed on its own. There is no problem if you want to use ceremonial grade matcha for confectionary use, but there is a concern where the taste of premium ceremonial matcha can be overpowered by other ingredients i.e., sugar, milk, flour.

But in the end, it’s your choice to make. If you want to make a premium-grade matcha dessert, feel free to use premium quality matcha (even the ceremonial variant) for it.

Is culinary matcha low in quality?

Not necessarily. But when brands categorize their product into ceremonial and culinary, usually the culinary matcha is lower in quality (not low quality) when compared to their ceremonial matcha.

Is ceremonial matcha healthier than culinary matcha?

Both are healthy since both are green tea after all. Matcha is highly concentrated in an antioxidant called catechin. It helps stabilize harmful free radicals so it prevents cell damage and lowers the risk of chronic disease.

My matcha is clumpy when I open it for the first time. Is that okay?

Clumpy matcha is good matcha. High-quality matcha is milled with heavy granite stones. This process is done carefully so as to not generate too much heat that can cause oxidation. Stone milling can produce a very fine powder of matcha that sometimes the powder has an electrostatic that pulls the particles together, hence the clumpiness. So next time you find clumpy matcha, it could be a sign that it is made traditionally with a stone mill. 

To remove clumpiness, simply sift the matcha powder before you add water.

Can I brew ceremonial grade matcha without a bamboo whisk?

Try using Reuseable Matcha Whisk made from polypropylene plastic.

Or you can use a milk foamer. But the froth won’t be as smooth as when you whisk it with a bamboo whisk.

How to properly store matcha?

Moisture is a huge no-no for matcha. If kept in high humidity, matcha can get lumpy, so you should avoid putting it in a cupboard or the like. Instead, keep it inside an airtight container or in a tin can and store it in the refrigerator.

When you keep matcha in the refrigerator, you need to be careful so the matcha won’t absorb unwanted aroma from the surrounding ingredients in the fridge. It is important to store it in a tightly sealed container so as not to spoil the delicate taste and aroma of matcha.

Lastly, you might want to avoid sudden temperature changes that can ruin the matcha. Every time you want to use it, take out only the required amount.

Product Recommendation

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