When you first buy Japanese matcha , you'll notice words like "Ceremony Grade ," " First Harvest," or the name of a famous Japanese region on the packaging. This raises the question: Is Ceremonial Grade matcha always the best? Does "First Harvest" mean it's premium? And does the region alone determine quality?
The short answer is: no. Matcha grades are not judged by a single word on the package, and in this guide we explain the meaning of each term and how to choose the right matcha for you.
What does Ceremonial Grade mean in matcha?
The term Ceremonial is used commercially to describe matcha intended primarily for straight drinking, and is typically characterized by a higher smoothness, milder taste, and brighter color than Culinary Grade.
However, the important point is that Ceremonial is not a standardized government quality rating in Japan . Two companies might use this word on products that are completely different in taste, quality, and price.
Even within the same store, the taste differs between two products of the same grade; both Kiwami Matcha and Hikari Matcha are Ceremonial, but the former is almost devoid of bitterness, and the latter is richer in umami with a slight bitterness.
Therefore, the presence of the word Ceremonial on the packaging does not automatically mean that it is the highest quality matcha on the market.
Is First Harvest Matcha the best?
First Harvest , or Ichibancha, refers to leaves taken from the first harvest of the season. In many Japanese tea-growing regions, first-harvest leaves are used for the most valuable varieties, including Tencha , the raw material from which matcha is ground. The Japanese Ministry of Agriculture states that first-harvest leaves in the Oji tea region are primarily used to produce Tencha and Gyokuro.
However, the first harvest does not necessarily mean the highest quality, as quality is also affected by:
- agricultural variety
- Shading method
- Harvest timing within the season
- The quality of the papers themselves
- Processing, grinding, and storage
You may find matcha from the first harvest of average quality, and another matcha that is made with more care and gives a better experience.
What is the difference between the first, second, and third harvests?
The tea plant is harvested more than once a year depending on the season and region, and the taste and characteristics of the tea vary according to the harvest time. The leaves from the first harvest are often the most sought after for premium products, while later harvests are used for different products depending on quality and purpose.
But the harvest season is information about the product, not a system for classifying matcha.
Is Matcha Blend of lower quality than Single Cultivar?
No. The word "blend" doesn't mean inferior matcha or matcha mixed with other ingredients. In Japanese tea, "blend" means combining more than one variety or batch to achieve a balanced and consistent taste, color, and aroma. Matcha Hikari, for example, blends five Japanese varieties to achieve a rich umami flavor and creamy texture.
Single Cultivar means matcha from a single agricultural variety, such as:
- Saemidori
- Okumidori
- Yabukita
- Asahi
Each variety has its own characteristics; for example, Saemidori differs in color and taste from other varieties.
Single Cultivar ≠ Automatically Better
Blend ≠ Lower quality
The standard is the quality of the raw material and the final result.
Does the production area determine the quality of matcha?
Each region of Japan has its own conditions, varieties, and methods. Oji is historically associated with the production of Tencha and Matcha, and Kagoshima is one of the largest tea-producing regions in Japan, characterized by its variety of types and long harvest season.
But the name of a famous region alone is not enough to judge quality, as excellent matcha may come from more than one region, such as Yabukita matcha from Kyoto , premium Fukuoka matcha , and Kagoshima matcha capsules .
How to choose the best matcha?
Instead of focusing on one word, look at the whole picture:
- Tea source and production area
- harvest season
- Agricultural variety or Blend
- Tencha user quality
- Shading method: Matcha leaves are grown with the sun blocked for several weeks before harvesting, a crucial step in ensuring its quality.
- Color, smell, and taste
- The fine grind , and the matcha sieve , helps to bring out this fineness in the cup without lumps.
- Storage and packaging
And most importantly: what does matcha actually look like when prepared?
How do you read the information on a matcha packet?
If you see something like Matcha Takumi on a package:
Harvest: First Spring Flush
Type: Blend Takumi
Grade: Ceremonial
Each line describes something different:
- First Spring Flush ← Harvest Season
- Blend Takumi ← Tea type or blend
- Ceremonial ← Description of the grade or use of the product
There is no conflict between them; it is natural for matcha to be First Harvest, Blend, and Ceremonial at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ceremonial Matcha better than Culinary Matcha?
Ceremonial is often smoother and better suited for straight drinking, while Culinary is more appropriate for cooking and mixing. However, quality varies from product to product because the terminology is not standardized.
Is first-picked matcha always more expensive and better?
First harvest is often in higher demand for premium products, but the final quality also depends on the variety, shading, processing and storage.
Does "Blend" mean matcha mixed with additives?
No, Blend means mixing varieties or batches of the same tea to achieve a balanced and consistent taste.
What is the most suitable matcha for beginners?
It is best to start with a balanced, low-bitter matcha such as Kiwami matcha , then experiment with richer umami scores over time.
Summary
Ceremonial, First Harvest, Single Cultivar, Blend, and the region name are all helpful information, but they are not a definitive judgment on the quality of matcha . Choose matcha based on its complete characteristics, not on a single term written on the packet.
Browse the range of Japanese matcha at Momacha , and read the details of each product from harvest season to variety and grade to choose what suits your taste.