Yunomi Matcha Grades

Yunomi Matcha Grades

Shop our extensive collection of matcha (this collection also includes other tea powders) from producers around Japan.

What is the difference between ceremonial grade and culinary grade? There is unfortunately no objective standard for grading matcha, and you might see the term "ceremonial grade" used for matcha products sold online even though the quality of the matcha is barely drinkable (in our opinion at least).

This list below attempts to describe how we are grading the matcha sold on Yunomi.life. It follows a spectrum of bitter/astringent to sweet/umami rich, coarse to fine grain, yellow to bright green color. Toastiness is also a desirable flavor quality but it can theoretically be achieved at every level with the right level of green roasting in refinement (among other techniques).

Tasting method: 70-80C, 100 ml, 2g of matcha.

• A1 - Imperial Ceremonial Grade - Top quality umami strength, minimum astringency, beautiful green powder and liquor color, fresh aroma. Smooth, silky texture. Made from the best quality spring-harvested tencha.
  • Heritage Grade - In addition to being at the imperial grade level, these matcha follow all traditional cultivation and production methods. Made from the best quality spring-harvested tencha.
  • Modern Heritage Grade - In addition to being at the imperial grade level, these matcha follow all traditional cultivation and production methods, except the canopy shading material may be artificial material (usually plastic). Made from the best quality spring-harvested tencha.
• A2 - Premium Ceremonial Grade - Strong umami, minimum astringency and bitterness, beautiful green powder and liquor color, aroma may be weaker. Smooth, silky texture. Made from spring-harvested tencha.
• A3 - Standard Ceremonial Grade - Balanced umami / astringency / bitterness. Beautiful green powder and liquor color. Weak aroma. Texture is smooth.
• B1 - Premium Barista Grade - More astringency & bitterness than umami. Green powder and liquor color. Weak aroma. Slightly grainy texture. These characteristics make this grade perfect for lattes and mixing with other ingredients for creative beverages. Also called "latte grade" or "basic ceremonial grade". 
• B2 - Standard Barista Grade (Premium Culinary Grade) - Strong astringency/bitterness, slightly dull green powder / liquor color. Little to no aroma. Slightly grainy texture. Recommended for daily lattes.
• K1 - Culinary Grade - Strong astringency/bitterness. Dull, more yellowish green powder / liquor color. Little to no aroma. Grainy texture.
• K2 - Culinary Grade - Very strong astringency/bitterness, very grainy texture, dull or yellow in color, no aroma.
• K3 - Industrial Grade - Extremely strong astringency/bitterness, very grainy texture, dull yellow in color, no aroma.