Matcha Tea: Ceremonial vs Culinary

Matcha tea, a green treasure that has gained popularity worldwide 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 suits you best.

Ceremonial Matcha Tea

Ceremonial matcha tea is the highest grade of this tea. The youngest and greenest leaves from the top part of the tea plants are selected for the highest quality matcha. These leaves are handpicked, steamed before being ground, and separated from their stems to prevent oxidation. This process helps preserve their antioxidants, making it a tea of high nutritional quality.

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

Culinary Matcha Tea

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

Culinary matcha is ideal for adding to smoothies, milk tea, or matcha lattes, baking, desserts, bread, or other food and drink recipes. It has a strong flavor that pairs well with sugars, fats, and other flavors, and finally, it has an umami taste when combined with certain foods, which helps 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 of tea on its own, ceremonial matcha is your best choice. 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!