There are different Matcha grades and Matcha qualities. Did you know that? Even if there is no formal regulation for the different Matcha blends, it is possible to differentiate high-quality Matcha from low-quality Matcha according to its colour, taste and much more. Here we will explain the difference between four Matcha grades:

Ceremonial Matcha grades or First Harvest Matchas are the most prized ones.

Production: the tea plants are covered for at least 15 to 20 days before harvesting in the month of May. At the moment of the harvest the farmers select only the youngest leaves and eliminate all the stems. They will then grind the leaves with a stone mill at low speed in order to preserve the beneficial properties and nutrients of the tea. The powder obtained presents an intense green colour.

Qualities: this Matcha is sweet and very delicate in flavour. The colour is vibrant green and has a delicate earthy smell.

Use: drink it pure. This Matcha is in fact best when mixed with hot water like in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. It is a premium choice and we do not advise to use it for cooking. You can enjoy it warm or cold, any moment of the day.

Perfect for: Matcha lovers, people who already know the product or for those who would like to try a very mild and high qualitative Matcha.

Super Premium Matcha grades or Second Harvest Matchas are of very high quality and perfect as an introduction to the Matcha world.

Production: the tea plants are covered for 15 to 20 days before harvesting takes place in the month of June. The leaves are then ground with a stone mill at a slightly higher speed. The powder is still very fine and it presents a vibrant green colour (only a bit less bright than the Ceremonial Matcha).

Qualities: this Matcha is delicate in flavour, its colour is darker green and its smell is delicate and earthy.

Use: drink it pure with hot water or mix it with milk (vegan or not). This Matcha should still not be used for cooking.

Perfect for: beginners. This Matcha grade is in fact ideal to start knowing the product. It is delicate and of very high quality, therefore the perfect intro to the Matcha world.

3. Premium Matcha (Second Harvest & Third Harvest)

Premium Matcha grades or Second & Third Harvest Matchas are perfect for Matcha lattes and a great addition to your smoothie or porridge.

Production: the tea plants are still covered for at least 15 to 20 days as far as the second harvest is concerned. The tea leaves of the third harvest are not covered. This Matcha grade uses a blend between the leaves of the June harvest and of the November one. The leaves are then ground with a stone mill at high speed. The powder is fine and it presents a forest green colour.

Qualities: this Matcha has a more intense earthy flavour, its colour is forest green and its smell is earthy and stronger than than the Ceremonial and Super Premium grades.

Use: drinking it with milk of every kind (coconut, almond, cow, oat, rice etc). This Matcha is perfect for lattes, as an addition to smoothies, porridges, juices and also good for cooking.

Perfect for: Matcha connoisseurs. This Matcha grade is in fact ideal for people who consume Matcha on a daily basis or very often and love its intense green tea flavour. 100 g of Matcha at a convenient price is the right choice for those who add their Matcha to their porridge, smoothies and also like to bake with it. Check out our Matcha Waffel and Matcha Cake recipes.

4. Culinary Matcha (Third Harvest)

Culinary Grades or Third Harvest Matchas are perfect for baking.

Production: The leaves used in the production of this tea are not covered before harvesting. This grade uses only the leaves of the third harvest (in November). Unlike the other Matcha grades, there is no removal of the stems and an electric mill at high speed is used to obtain the powder. The powder is less fine and it presents a less intense green colour.

Qualities: this Matcha has a less sweet, stronger green tea flavour. In this case, the colour is less green than the other grades and its smell is intense making it the perfect ingredient for baking.

Use: ideal for baking. It can be used to prepare cakes, ice creams or as a natural food colourant in desserts.

Perfect for: baking lovers. You will be able to try new recipes and discover a whole new Matcha world. Check out our BLOG for some inspiration or the magic internet.

To pre-order this product: write us here.

Our Matchas are 100% organic and vegan. In all 4 cases we only use natural fertilisers like vegetables and fruits which make our Matcha vegan friendly.

The Matchas come in small, light resistant bags (non transparent) in order to preserve their high quality. The light could in fact alternate the qualities of the product.

Have more questions? Drop us an email here.

Happy drinking!

from the AMIKAMATCHA Team