We don’t call our lower grade matcha “culinary” grade. Because common culinary grade matcha on the market are poor in all the experiences, including taste and benefits. We do not offer culinary grade–we only offer everyday grade matcha and ceremonial grade matcha. Here are the differences between everyday grade and ceremonial grade:
1) Taste
Everyday grade–more astringent than ceremonial. Astringency comes from Catechins or EGCG, the most potent antioxidants that green tea offers
Ceremonial–“sweeter” than regular grade. Sweetness or savoriness comes from L-theanine, which is an amino acid. Quality ceremonial matcha should offer a deep, complex flavor, rather than flat, which can be often disguised as “smooth.” Our ceremonial grade matcha offers a pleasant, complex, and blissful taste.
2) Benefits
Everyday grade–more antioxidant benefits than ceremonial grade. Antioxidant benefits include cancer prevention, anti-inflammatory, anti-germs, boosting immunity, etc.
Ceremonial–more sustainable energy, which comes from a higher amount of L-theanine, a natural relaxant, and Caffeine, a stimulant, than regular grade.
3) Mixability
Everyday grade–it’s easier to mix in water. The leaf to make the regular grade is milled by a machine. The particles are not completely round, and the size of the particles is slightly bigger than the ceremonial grade.
Ceremonial–the powder tends to clump up. Our ceremonial grade is made with young tender leaves of the first harvest, and the leaves are slowly ground by a stone mill. The particles are completely round, which makes a smooth, silky texture. However, due to the tenderness of the young leaves, it tends to get clumpy. You’ll need to use a frother or a bamboo whisk to mix the powder into water. Contrary to the common belief, the higher the grade is, the lower the mixability is due to the nature of the tenderness of the leaf and the method of milling.
4) Usage
Everyday grade–it’s great to be used in smoothies. It is also enjoyable as a cup of tea or a latte.
Ceremonial grade–it’s great as a replacement for coffee. The caffeine amount in one cup of coffee is at least 100 mg, and the caffeine in ceremonial grade is 70 mg, and it offers a natural relaxant along with green tea antioxidants. The deep, complex flavor of quality ceremonial matcha stands out even when you add milk.
One more note:
If you are going to use matcha as a part of your health regimen to combat chronic diseases, the everyday grade is better as it offers more antioxidants. Also, it offers relatively less caffeine than ceremonial-grade matcha, which allows you to consume more servings. Studies show your system retains EGCG, the prominent antioxidants of green tea, for 4-6 hours. That means if you drink one serving of matcha every 4-6 hours, your system appreciates the benefits of antioxidants throughout the day.
