What’s the Difference Between Ceremonial Grade and Culinary Matcha?

What’s the Difference Between Ceremonial Grade and Culinary Matcha?

With its vibrant green hue and rich heritage, matcha has become a staple in everything from traditional tea ceremonies to smoothies and desserts. But not all matcha is the same. If you've ever wondered what separates ceremonial grade from culinary grade matcha, you're not alone.

Understanding these differences can help you choose the right matcha for your needs—whether you're looking to honour an ancient ritual or blend a bright green latte.

Ceremonial Grade Matcha

Ceremonial grade is the highest quality matcha available. It is made from the youngest, most tender tea leaves grown under shade for around three weeks before harvest. The leaves are carefully steamed, dried, and stone-ground into an ultra-fine powder.

This grade is intended to be enjoyed on its own, whisked with hot water using traditional tools like a bamboo whisk (chasen) and bowl (chawan). No milk or sweetener is needed—its flavour is naturally smooth, mildly sweet, and rich with umami.

Characteristics:

• Bright, vibrant green colour
• Smooth, velvety texture
• Delicate, fresh, slightly sweet taste
• Best enjoyed with just water

Explore Organic Ceremonial Matcha AAAA →

Culinary Grade Matcha

Culinary grade matcha is made from more mature tea leaves harvested later in the season. It still offers many of the benefits of matcha, but has a stronger, slightly more bitter flavour that makes it better suited for mixing with other ingredients.

This grade is perfect for adding to smoothies, baking, iced drinks, lattes, or protein shakes.

Characteristics:

• Duller green to olive colour
• More robust, slightly astringent flavour
• Ideal for recipes and mixing with milk or sweeteners

Note: My Herb Clinic currently focuses on high-quality ceremonial matcha.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose ceremonial grade if you want to enjoy matcha in its purest form, as a traditional tea.

Choose culinary grade if you're looking to experiment in the kitchen or create matcha lattes, desserts, and recipes.

Both offer great flavour and benefits, but serve different purposes. If you're just starting your matcha journey, ceremonial matcha is the best place to begin.

Experience the Matcha Ritual

At My Herb Clinic, our ceremonial grade matcha is sourced from high mountain plantations and ground to perfection. It whisks into a vibrant, frothy cup that's ideal for mindful morning rituals or quiet afternoon pauses.

To prepare matcha the traditional way:

• Sift 1/4 teaspoon of matcha into a bowl
• Add a splash of hot (not boiling) water
• Whisk vigorously in an M-shape until frothy
• Top up with more water or warm milk if desired