Both are powdered green tea. The difference is what each one is made for. Ceremonial matcha is made to be whisked with water and drunk on its own. Culinary matcha is made to be mixed into lattes, smoothies and baking.
What matcha is
Matcha is green tea ground into a fine powder. The tea plants are shaded before harvest, which deepens the green color of the leaves. After picking, the leaves are steamed, dried and stone-ground. With matcha you drink the whole leaf in powdered form instead of an infusion.
Ceremonial vs culinary at a glance
| Ceremonial | Culinary | |
|---|---|---|
| Best use | Whisked with water | Lattes, smoothies, baking |
| Color | Vivid green | Duller, more yellow-green |
| Taste | Smooth, naturally sweet, grassy | Stronger, more bitter |
| Texture | Very fine | Slightly coarser |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
These grades are trade terms, not a regulated standard. That is why the powder itself is the better guide: look at the color, smell it, and taste it with water before you judge it in milk.
How to prepare ceremonial matcha
- Sift about half a teaspoon of matcha into a bowl. Sifting prevents clumps.
- Add 2 to 3 oz of hot water at around 175°F (80°C). Boiling water makes matcha bitter.
- Whisk briskly in a zigzag motion for 15 to 20 seconds, until a light foam forms.
- Drink it straight away, before the powder settles.
No bamboo whisk? A small milk frother does the job.
Can you use ceremonial matcha in a latte?
Yes. Whisk it with a little hot water first, then add warm or cold milk. The flavor is softer than with culinary matcha, so use slightly more powder if you want it to stand out.
Does matcha have caffeine?
Yes. Matcha is green tea, and because you consume the whole leaf, a serving contains more caffeine than a cup of steeped green tea. Start with half a teaspoon and see how it suits you.
How to store it
Keep matcha sealed, away from light, heat and moisture. Once the pouch is open, use it within a few weeks for the best color and flavor.
A matcha made for drinking
PiPi Tea Organic Ceremonial Matcha is finely stone-ground from shade-grown leaves, with a naturally sweet, grassy flavor. Each pouch holds 30 servings.