Category: Tea grades

Tea grading systems vary significantly from country to country and even between different types of tea. Understanding the different grades of green tea can help connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike make more informed choices about the tea they purchase and consume.

Over 80% of high-quality Japanese matcha is produced during the first flush, or harvest, of the year. Known in Japan as *ichibancha*, this premium tea, or 1st harvest matcha, is considered the gold standard for its exceptional flavor, vibrant color, and potent nutritional profile.

According to the brand's own information, Jade Leaf Matcha offers multiple grades to suit different needs, with both Ceremonial and Culinary varieties available. The key difference lies in their taste, texture, and intended use, catering to everyone from traditional tea enthusiasts to home bakers.

Matcha, a powdered green tea from Japan, is a celebrated beverage with a history spanning centuries. The grading system for matcha, while not officially regulated, helps distinguish products based on quality, taste, and use. Ujido offers multiple grades of matcha, from pure ceremonial to culinary blends, to suit different needs.

According to matcha experts, the color of high-quality matcha can be compared to spring grass after a fresh rain. A bright, vivid, almost electric green hue is the most critical visual indicator of a premium matcha, signaling optimal freshness and superior growing conditions.

According to several tea experts, ceremonial grade matcha often contains more caffeine per gram than culinary grade due to the use of younger, more tender leaves from the first harvest. This means that yes, lower quality matcha can have less caffeine.

A common misconception, especially in North America, is that Orange Pekoe tea is a specific variety of tea, fundamentally different from black tea. This is inaccurate; Orange Pekoe is a grade of black tea, and understanding this distinction is key to determining if one is truly "better" than another.

Matcha's caffeine content can vary widely, often between 18 to 50 milligrams per gram. This guide explains why the matcha grade is key, rather than the brand itself, to understand which matcha has the most caffeine.