Ceremonial Grade Matcha Explained

If you've frequented a cafe, strolled through the teas at your local grocery store, or seen someone on the street sip a vibrant green drink, you've most likely encountered matcha.

But, if you want to get started with matcha where should you start? Not all matcha is created equal, so how do you tell one matcha from another?

Well, one easy way is to check the grade -- and ceremonial grade is a broad category for the best quality matcha.

So, what makes the ceremonial grade different from the rest? This vibrant green powder isn’t just beautiful, it's special, full of health benefits, and has a rich tradition in Japanese culture that makes it a top choice for tea lovers.

Today, we'll explore what makes ceremonial grade matcha so unique, and why it’s worth trying. Whether you’re new to matcha, or a long-time matcha lover, you'll discover interesting facts and tips, so let’s get started! 

The Journey of Matcha Through Time

Let's travel back in time to the 11th century in Tang Dynasty, China where steam-prepared dried tea leaves were made into powdered form, and this is where the journey of matcha began.

By the 14th century, Japanese Buddhist monk Myoan Eisai brought this innovative tea practice from China to Japan, discovering that matcha enhanced his meditation with a unique blend of calm and alertness.

This appreciation for matcha blossomed into the Japanese tea ceremony, or "chado," a ritual of peace and harmony. It was in Japan that the cultivation and processing of Matcha was perfected, with centuries of dedicated craftsmanship leading to Japan becoming known globally for producing the best ceremonial grade matcha.

Over time, matcha has evolved and today, it’s found its way into the modern world where tea lovers are discovering its unique flavors and health benefits.

From cafes to the kitchen at home, the essence of matcha remains the same, it continues to inspire and bring people together as it provides a moment to pause and appreciate the simple beauty of life. 

The Different Grades of Matcha

Before looking deeply into what makes ceremonial grade matcha so special, it’s nice to get a bird's-eye view of the various grades of matcha available in the market today.

Let’s break it down based on color, flavor and usage. 

There is debate about matcha grades, and you can refine these categories even further. But, we're going to look at 3 categories which are gaining usage: culinary grade, latte grade, and ceremonial grade. 

Here at Pow, all of our matcha products are made with ceremonial grade matcha. 

Culinary Grade Matcha 

This is the most affordable matcha on the market and just like the name it’s primarily used for cooking and baking.

• Color: Dull green
• Flavor: More bitter
• Usage: Ideal for baking as it is less delicate and pairs well with other ingredients. People tend to find this grade too bitter for drinks like lattes and teas. 

Latte or Cafe Grade Matcha 

This grade is higher compared to the culinary grade and just like the name suggests it’s mostly used in lattes and matcha-flavored beverages. 

• Color: Green color but not vibrant 
• Flavor: Less bitter, slightly smoother on the palate  
• Usage: Ideal for matcha lattes - adding milk or sweeteners balances out the mild bitterness. 

Ceremonial Grade Matcha 

This is the highest-quality matcha available and is meant to be enjoyed on its own, but this is totally dependent on preference. 

• Color: Vibrant green - because of the high chlorophyll content. 
• Flavor: Least bitter, sweet, smooth and umami 
• Usage: Best enjoyed as a traditional matcha tea, whisked with hot (not boiling) water. Of course, it can also be used in lattes or with food which is very common for Wonder Matcha drinkers.

What is ceremonial grade matcha? 

It is tea made from the youngest, most tender leaves from the top of the tea plant, which are carefully grown in the shade for several weeks before harvesting.

This shading process increases the chlorophyll and amino acid content of the leaves, resulting in a vibrant green color and a smooth, umami-rich flavor.

Unlike culinary grade matcha, which is used in cooking and baking, ceremonial grade matcha is meant to be enjoyed as a pure tea, where its unique flavor and rich nutritional value can be truly enjoyed. 

The making of ceremonial grade matcha is an art that uses old techniques and involves a lot of care to ensure quality and perfection. The process involves: 

1. Cultivation Process

Unique Shading:

Before harvest, matcha tea plants are covered with special shading materials to block out most of the sunlight. This shading, which lasts for about three to four weeks, helps the leaves develop a deeper green color due to increased chlorophyll and enhances their flavor by increasing amino acids, particularly L-theanine, which gives matcha its smooth, umami taste.

Leaf Selection:

Only the youngest, most tender leaves from the top of the plant are picked. These leaves are chosen for their delicate flavor and high quality. Skilled pickers select only the best leaves to ensure that the final matcha is rich in color and flavorful.

2. Production and Grinding

Traditional Stone-Grinding:

After harvesting, the leaves are steamed to lock in their fresh green color and nutrients. They are then dried and ground into a fine powder using traditional stone mills. This slow, careful grinding process, known as "ishi-ushu," ensures the matcha is smooth and retains its delicate and unique flavor.

3. Quality Control

Careful Inspection:

Each batch of matcha is carefully checked to make sure it meets high standards. The powder is sifted to remove any large particles, and its color, texture, and taste are tested for consistency. To keep it fresh, matcha is packaged in special containers that protect it from light, air, and moisture.

This careful and thorough process is what makes ceremonial grade matcha special.

Health Benefits of Ceremonial Grade Matcha

Ceremonial grade matcha is considered the premium form of matcha and is a powerhouse of nutrition and health benefits, known to be superior to lower grades. 

Protection From Chronic Disease From a Concentrated dose of Antioxidants

Ceremonial grade matcha has a high concentration of antioxidants particularly, catechins. This is a type of flavonoid that plays a significant role in promoting health.

Among these catechins, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the most potent, known for its ability to fight free radicals and reduce inflammation.

Ceremonial grade matcha contains up to 137 times more EGCG than other types of green tea. This high concentration of antioxidants not only helps protect your body from chronic diseases but also supports your overall well-being, making it a perfect addition to your daily routine.

Zen Energy From Caffeine and L-theanine

Coffee will give you a quick spike of energy followed by a sudden crash, but that's not the case with matcha.

The combination of caffeine and L-theanine in ceremonial grade matcha is a powerful combination that improves your brain function. The caffeine will give you that boost of alertness and L-theanine will step in to smooth out any jitters, offering a more balanced and steady energy.

This unique pairing sharpens your focus, enhances memory, and helps you concentrate more effectively throughout the day. This balance also means that matcha can help reduce stress and anxiety, making it an excellent choice for those looking to stay focused without feeling overwhelmed.

Cardiovascular Health From Catechins

Regular and consistent consumption of ceremonial grade matcha can significantly improve heart health. This is primarily due to its ability to lower LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol levels, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to the buildup of plaques in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

The catechins found in matcha, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), play a crucial role in preventing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, a key factor in the development of heart disease.

Additionally, matcha helps in reducing blood pressure, further supporting cardiovascular health. By adding matcha into your daily routine, you’re taking a step towards protecting your heart.

Detoxification From High Chlorophyll Content

What makes matcha stand out from all the other green teas, is the vibrant green color.

This is because of the high chlorophyll content, which plays an important role in natural detoxification. Chlorophyll is known for its ability to help bind and remove heavy metals and harmful chemicals from the body, supporting overall detoxification and promoting a cleaner, healthier body. 

How do you Prepare Ceremonial Grade Matcha?

As mentioned earlier Matcha has evolved over time and today everyone enjoys their Matcha differently but it all starts with the basics and how Matcha was prepared traditionally. 

1. Sift the Matcha: Start by sifting 1-2 grams of matcha powder into a matcha bowl (chawan). This step ensures a smooth, lump-free tea.
2. Add Water: Heat water to about 158°F (70°C). Pour around 2-3 ounces of water over the matcha.
3. Whisk Gently: Using a bamboo whisk (chasen), whisk the matcha in a quick, zigzag motion until a frothy layer forms on top.
4. Enjoy the Moment: Hold the bowl, inhale the aroma, take a slow sip and enjoy! 

Today, people are creative and enjoy their matcha in versatile ways. This includes Matcha Latte, Iced Matcha, Matcha Smoothies among others. You can enjoy yours in different ways and here are recipes we love for Wonder Matcha.

When it comes to buying ceremonial grade matcha, the choice you make can significantly impact your overall experience. Finding the right matcha is important and it's about the quality and ingredients used. 

The best ceremonial grade matcha is sourced from specific regions in Japan.  Here at Pow, we pride ourselves on sourcing only the finest ceremonial grade matcha directly from Uji, Japan, ensuring that you receive fresh, authentic matcha that is rich in flavor and full of health benefits.

Wonder Matcha has a vibrant green color that reflects the great quality and the texture is smooth showing that it has been finely ground and made to perfection. 

Wonder Matcha is an incredible blend includes organic Ceremonial Grade Matcha, Ashwagandha, Ceylon Cinnamon, Lion’s Mane Mushroom, and Adaptogens, quality ingredients in every scoop. 

Wrapping up

We hope you’re excited to try Matcha and learned a little something in this post!

Whether you're drawn to its rich umami flavor, its health benefits, or its cultural heritage, it’s always a special moment with matcha.

Start your matcha journey with an open heart and a curious mind, and always explore the many ways you can enjoy this exceptional tea. Once you've tried it, we’d love to hear about your experience or even your favorite recipes.

Want to try Pow? Checkout our full collection here.

If you're new to Pow, grab a starter pack which comes with a free frother and welcome booklet. A great way to get started on this journey.