Matcha is a tea from Japan which is now so popularized in the West as the “it” drink. The trend which was basically a lifestyle of the whole population of Japan is now a marketing technique which feeds people with Fear of Missing Out (FOMO). Tea has become a focal point of people’s social capital.
The myth of “ceremonial” tag
In Japan the “ceremonial” grade matcha has a special meaning and impact which is derived from their culture. It is made from the youngest tea leaves which are carefully grown in the shade ground by using stone into a fine powder then sieved to avoid getting any harsh lumps in the final tea.
The jade green powder is then mixed using a bamboo whisker which was soaked in hot water in order to make the tea. It can be topped with milk. This specific type of tea is reserved for special tea ceremonies only. The flavor of it is umami rich, delicate and slightly sweet. It was never made to be mixed in different smoothies or drowned with milk or whipped cream to make fancy lattes.
Whereas, in the West “ceremonial” is a marketing technique used as a buzzword to sell it to a larger and global market. It is loosely used by brands with no regulatory oversight. There is no proper global authority certifying what qualifies as “ceremonial” versus “culinary” grade.
This means that your ceremonial grade matcha that comes in a glossy tin with gold writings on it is on Amazon might just be standard matcha wearing premium matcha packaging.
Culinary does not mean inferior matcha- The normal matcha performs better in modern consumption that are lattes, blended beverages and deserts than ceremonial grade matcha. What an irony. The ceremonial grade is complex and subtle and often loses its nuanced flavor when mixed. While the normal one has a slightly more earthier, robust flavor profile. It’s meant to hold more sugar or milk.
What are we really paying for?
The bottom line is, ceremonial grade matcha is not a total scam but it's not always as sacred as it sounds. It can indeed be exquisite but only when authentically sourced from Japan. From their farm that upholds the sanctity of Japanese tradition, exclusivity and mindfulness in a mug. That’ll uphold Japanese traditions and practices.
For the rest “ceremonial grade” ends the moment it hits the tin. Sometimes it’s just smart marketing wrapped in a swirl of green mystique. So next time when you buy, kindly read the label from which source is the matcha coming from.