What Is Ceremonial Grade Matcha?

Ceremonial grade matcha is the highest quality matcha powder, made from young tea leaves (tencha) shade-grown to concentrate chlorophyll and L-theanine. It is stone-ground to preserve delicate flavor compounds. Ceremonial matcha has a smooth, naturally sweet flavor with umami depth — suitable for drinking as tea or in lattes without milk. Culinary grade is made from older leaves with a more bitter, astringent flavor — suitable for baking but not ideal for drinking.