Decoding Matcha Grades: Ceremonial vs. Culinary
To understand why Blume matcha is not considered ceremonial grade, it's essential to define the key differences between matcha grades. The primary distinctions lie in the cultivation, harvest time, processing, and intended use.
Cultivation and Harvest
High-quality matcha, meant for ceremonial use, comes from young, shade-grown leaves from the first harvest, or 'first flush'. Shading increases chlorophyll and L-theanine, which results in a vivid green color and a delicate, sweet, and umami-rich flavor. Culinary grade matcha, on the other hand, is made from leaves harvested later in the season. These leaves are exposed to more sunlight, which increases their catechin content, leading to a bolder, more bitter flavor profile suitable for mixing.
Processing and Texture
After harvest, high-grade leaves are stone-ground into an ultra-fine, silky powder, which is crucial for achieving a smooth, frothy texture when whisked with hot water. This meticulous process is what allows ceremonial matcha to be enjoyed on its own. Culinary grade powder is typically ground less finely, resulting in a slightly coarser texture that can feel chalky if not properly mixed.
A Closer Look at Blume Matcha
Blume's best-known matcha product is the Matcha Coconut Blend, a superfood powder explicitly stating on its product page that it contains "culinary grade matcha". The product also lists other ingredients, including organic coconut milk powder and moringa leaf powder, which are common in latte blends designed for mixing. The added ingredients are not typical for a pure, ceremonial-grade matcha, which should contain only green tea powder.
While some may argue a brand could sell a separate ceremonial product, the company's predominant matcha offering is a multi-ingredient mix formulated for lattes and baking. The inclusion of other ingredients alters the taste profile and confirms it's not intended for a traditional tea ceremony.
Comparison Table: Blume Matcha vs. True Ceremonial Grade
| Feature | Blume Matcha Coconut Blend | True Ceremonial Grade Matcha |
|---|---|---|
| Matcha Grade | Culinary Grade | Highest Grade (no official standard) |
| Flavor Profile | Grassy, balanced with coconut and moringa | Delicate, sweet, smooth, and rich in umami |
| Intended Use | Lattes, smoothies, baking, and mixing | Whisked simply with hot water; stand-alone tea |
| Ingredients | Matcha, coconut milk powder, moringa | 100% organic green tea powder |
| Color | Can be less vibrant due to mixing | Bright, vibrant emerald green |
| Texture | Micro-ground; some reviewers report chalkiness | Ultra-fine, silky powder; produces a smooth, non-gritty drink |
| Origin | Japan's Shizuoka region (for matcha) | Typically from reputable regions like Uji or Nishio |
Why The Grade Distinction Matters
The difference in matcha grades is not merely marketing; it represents a difference in quality, taste, and intended experience. Ceremonial grade is for purists who want to appreciate the nuanced flavors of the tea itself. Culinary grade is for those who enjoy the health benefits and taste of matcha in other preparations, where the more robust and sometimes bitter flavor can hold up against added milk, sweeteners, or other ingredients.
For consumers, this means managing expectations. If you are seeking the traditional, unadulterated experience of a Japanese tea ceremony, Blume’s Matcha Coconut Blend is not the right choice. However, if you want a convenient, pre-mixed powder for making flavored lattes at home, it serves its purpose perfectly. The key is knowing what you are buying and what to expect from the product's grade and ingredient composition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Blume matcha is not ceremonial grade. The company clearly states that its flagship matcha blend uses culinary-grade powder, which is reflected in its formulation with added ingredients like coconut milk powder and moringa. While suitable for lattes, baking, and smoothies, this product is fundamentally different from a true ceremonial-grade matcha, which is valued for its purity and delicate flavor profile when prepared on its own. Understanding these distinctions allows consumers to make an informed choice based on their desired use and taste preferences.
Understanding Blume's Marketing and Blends
Blume's marketing focuses on convenience and flavor. They sell a "superfood latte" blend, which caters to the modern trend of healthy, flavored drinks. This positions them as an accessible, everyday matcha brand rather than one for traditional connoisseurs. It is a strategic choice, broadening their customer base beyond the niche of high-end matcha enthusiasts. Their approach is not deceptive but requires consumer awareness to recognize that a blend containing other ingredients is, by definition, not a pure ceremonial product.
The Takeaway for Shoppers
For those looking to explore matcha, Blume offers a gateway product. It is a lower-cost, more forgiving option for lattes and blends. However, if you want to experience the highest quality, nuanced taste of pure matcha, you will need to seek out a product explicitly labeled as ceremonial grade, made solely from stone-ground green tea powder, typically from a first harvest in Japan. Look for a vibrant green color and a silky texture as indicators of high quality, and be prepared for a higher price point reflective of the intensive cultivation and processing required.
