What is Ceremonial Grade Matcha?
Ceremonial grade matcha is the highest quality and purity variety of Japanese green tea matcha used in ceremonies exceeding even organic matcha powder. Once stone ground, the difference in color is apparent. The distinct green color and frothy texture when stirred exceed both organic and culinary grade in appearance and rich flavor. Ceremonial grade matcha is made only from shade-grown baby green tea leaves, while organic consists of sun grown sometimes burnt tips, and culinary contains lower leaves and is intended for mass production. The reason that culinary grade costs more is that the leaves are hand-picked, imported, and refrigerated all the way up to consumption. Man Eating Tiger matcha offers the best Japanese ceremonial grade matcha fresh from Japan.

What do the grades of matcha mean?
Ceremonial Grade Matcha
The highest quality Japanese matcha is used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. The matcha plant is fully shade grown and the leaf is handpicked at first harvest for its perfect vibrant green appearance from the young tea leaves. At this point of the green tea leaf’s first harvest, it’s been scientifically proven that there are the most antioxidants known as catechins in the matcha because the leaf is picked at its peak chlorophyll content stage. An added benefit of choosing ceremonial grade over simply organic is a boosted amount of L-theanine. The natural sweetness of ceremonial grade matcha means you don’t need to add any sweeteners.
Organic Matcha
Organic matcha is lower-grade matcha but still good matcha. There are fewer restrictions on the type of leaf, that it’s handpicked and perfect, it is rarely shade-grown and it isn’t always grown in Japan. Some organic matchas boast health benefits like increased l-theanine however when mixed with sweeteners it
Culinary Grade Matcha
The strong matcha taste of matcha lattes, smoothies, and baked matcha goods require a matcha flavor that stands out. Many bakers and shop owners choose culinary grade when not serving it as the traditional tea. Normally lower quality, picked after the second harvest, the culinary grade matcha has origins outside of Japan and is widely considered a lower grade due to the bitter matcha tea plant flavor shining through.
Which is the best matcha?
For daily matcha tea drinkers, it’s ceremonial grade matcha. The brilliant green color when combined with hot water and whisked is what is widely considered the best-tasting matcha in the world. Our Man Eating Tiger ceremonial grade matcha is an award-winning green tea imported fresh from Japan, many consider it’s truly mild natural sweetness something that you have to taste to believe.
What are the health benefits of ceremonial matcha tea?
Matcha is very high in EGCG, or Epigallocatechin Gallate. EGCG is a specific type of catechin that has been studied for its beneficial effects. Catechin is a type of antioxidant that only the most premium matcha (Ceremonial Grade) is rich in. It’s been shown that matcha green teas are naturally high in caffeine which boosts energy and alertness.
Stress reduction – Matcha containing l-theanine, that can help to reduce stress and anxiety and promote rest and relaxation.
Improving cognitive function – The caffeine and l-theanine in matcha work to help boost your brainpower and improve cognitive function. Caffeine energizes and l-theanine calms you down combined they help focus on brain power-intensive tasks, studying, and overall productivity.
Great for metabolism – Matcha can help boost metabolism and aid in maintaining a healthy weight.
Good for your heart and skin – Consuming matcha has benefits for your skin from the presence of EGCG. Matcha has been shown to protect your skin against harmful UV rays.
With just a cup a day of matcha regular matcha drinkers also gain the benefit of lower risk of cardiovascular disease and reduced risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Helps freshen breath and prevent bacteria in your mouth from forming – Did you know that matcha has flavonoids that reduce gum inflammation and limit bacteria growth in your mouth? Most people overlook the health benefits of matcha for your teeth and gums.