Ceremonial Matcha vs All-Purpose Matcha
If you’ve browsed different types of matcha, you may have noticed terms like "ceremonial grade" and "all-purpose matcha." But what do they really mean?
At POEMS Tea Atelier, we believe you should always know what you’re drinking. We offer two distinct grades of premium matcha, each designed for a specific purpose. Let’s break down the differences and help you find the right one for you.
Ceremonial Grade Matcha: The Purest Experience
Ceremonial grade is the highest-quality matcha available, traditionally reserved for the Japanese tea ceremony. It's crafted exclusively from the youngest, most tender leaves of the very 1st spring harvest.
It is important to note: There are no official regulations in Japan for using the term "ceremonial grade." This means that any company can use this label. To ensure you are getting an authentic, high-quality product, it is essential to check its origin and understand its growing conditions. How to Spot a High-Quality Matcha? >>
What makes it special?
- Vibrant Colour: A bright, vivid green thanks to high chlorophyll content
- Silky Texture: Ground into an ultra-fine powder for a perfectly smooth drink
- Pure Flavour: Naturally sweet, full-bodied umami with little to no bitterness
- Best For: Whisking with hot water on its own (usucha) to appreciate the pure, unadulterated flavour
Shop Our Ceremonial Grade Matcha >>
All-Purpose Matcha: Quality & Versatility
All-purpose matcha is made for versatility. While it may not be as vibrant as ceremonial, it's still made with the same dedication to quality. Unlike many "everyday" matcha powders on the market, our all-purpose matcha (AOI) is still crafted from first-flush leaves, not a lower-grade harvest.
This means you get a powerful, robust flavor with all the freshness and nutrients of spring leaves. Its bold profile stands up beautifully to milk, sweeteners, and other ingredients, making it the ideal choice for lattes, smoothies, and baking.
All-Purpose Matcha is perfect for:
- Lattes & Smoothies: Its strong, bold flavor cuts through other ingredients for a rich taste
- Baking & Cooking: Adds a deep, earthy matcha flavor to your favourite recipes
- Everyday Drinking: A great, versatile option for those who enjoy a stronger brew
Shop Our All-Purpose Matcha >>
Finding Your Perfect Matcha
Ceremonial and all-purpose matcha serve different purposes. Both are rooted in the same traditions of care, craft, and sustainability.
- Want the Traditional Tea Ceremony Experience? Go for ceremonial grade to savor the pure, subtle notes
- Love Matcha Lattes & Smoothies? Try our all-purpose AOI matcha
- Want the Best of Both Worlds? Many of our customers enjoy ceremonial for a morning ritual and use all-purpose for an afternoon latte
No matter your choice, you’re experiencing a piece of Kyoto’s tea heritage, grown with respect for the land and the people who cultivate it.
