Cafe Grade (or also referred to as “Culinary” or “Cooking” grade) is best used for mixing into things like smoothies and lattes, or for baking or using in other recipes. It is harvested later in the year so the green tea leaves have a bolder flavor that is too strong for most folks to enjoy on its own. This also means it is much less expensive.
Ceremonial grade, on the other hand, is made from the earliest harvest of tea leaves, which tend to be slightly sweeter and smoother, meaning that ceremonial grade can be enjoyed on its own just mixed with water – in the traditional “ceremonial” preparation as is popular in Japan.
In either grade, you’ll still see a lot of variance in quality and price points, which can make it tricky to pick out the good from the bad. Through our direct relationship with our partner farm in Japan, Nagata Chaen, we’re confident in providing great quality Matcha at a reasonable price.