The Misunderstanding About Matcha Grades
Some matcha brands assert they are 'ceremonial grade' despite clearly being 'culinary grade.' Given the absence of a clear standard defining 'ceremonial' and 'culinary,' any matcha can proclaim itself as 'ceremonial grade.' Many consumers believe 'organic matcha' signifies superior quality, but it often indicates restricted use of fertiliser, resulting in a less umami flavour, an overly earthy taste, and pronounced astringency. In Japan, the finest matcha is never organic.
