Matcha Tea: Ceremonial vs. Culinary

Matcha tea, a green treasure that has gained worldwide popularity for its health benefits and unique flavor. But did you know there are two main types of matcha tea: ceremonial and culinary? Here we explain the differences so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

Ceremonial Matcha Tea

Ceremonial matcha is the highest grade of this tea. The youngest, greenest leaves from the top of the tea plants are selected for the highest quality matcha. These leaves are hand-picked, steamed before being ground, and separated from their stems to prevent oxidation. This process helps preserve its antioxidants, resulting in a highly nutritious tea.

Ceremonial matcha is ideal for preparing cups of pure tea. It has an umami aroma and flavor in infusions, which in Japanese means it's a savory tea with a subtle and difficult-to-describe taste. The pleasure of drinking ceremonial matcha tea translates into well-being and health thanks also to its antioxidant and relaxing properties.

Culinary Matcha Tea

On the other hand, we have culinary matcha, which is of a lower grade and has a lower concentration of nutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins. The leaves at the base of the plants are reserved specifically for culinary purposes. Although it is quite bitter, it is inexpensive and can be used as an ingredient.

Culinary matcha is ideal for adding to smoothies, milk tea, or matcha lattes, as well as for baking, desserts, breads, and other food and beverage recipes. It has a robust flavor that pairs well with sugars, fats, and other flavors, and it also imparts an umami taste when combined with certain foods, helping to enhance the flavor of dishes.

Conclusion

Both types of matcha have their own benefits and uses. If you're looking for a pure tea to enjoy a cup on its own, ceremonial matcha is your best option. If you want to experiment in the kitchen and add a touch of matcha to your recipes, culinary matcha is the one for you. Remember, the choice depends on your needs and personal preferences. Enjoy the wonderful world of matcha tea!


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