Classification of matcha

What is matcha

Matcha is a type of green tea that is made from finely ground leaves of Camellia sinensis that are shade-grown, steamed, dried and stone-milled. Matcha has a long history and cultural significance in China and Japan, and has become a popular and diverse product in different markets around the world. Matcha can be used as a beverage, dessert, cosmetic, supplement and more.

The characteristics of each grade of matcha are:

- Premium grade: This is the highest quality of matcha that is usually used for ceremonial purposes or drinking pure. It has a bright green color, a fresh and fragrant aroma, a smooth and sweet flavor, a fine and smooth texture, and a good foamability. It is made from the youngest and tenderest tea leaves that are shade-grown for at least 20 days before harvesting. It is steamed at a low temperature to preserve its nutrients and flavor, and ground by stone mills at a slow speed to avoid overheating.

- Standard grade: This is a medium quality of matcha that is usually used for everyday drinking or mixing with milk or other ingredients. It has a green color, a pure and pleasant aroma, a mellow and slightly bitter flavor, a smooth and uniform texture, and a moderate foamability. It is made from slightly older tea leaves that are shade-grown for about 15 days before harvesting. It is steamed at a medium temperature to balance its nutrients and flavor, and ground by stone mills or ball mills at a medium speed to achieve a fine particle size.

- Culinary grade: This is a low quality of matcha that is usually used for cooking or baking purposes or adding to other foods or beverages. It has a yellowish-green color, a stale or musty aroma, a bitter or astringent flavor, a coarse or lumpy texture, and a poor foamability. It is made from mature tea leaves that are shade-grown for less than 10 days before harvesting. It is steamed at a high temperature to reduce its moisture content and extend its shelf life, and ground by ball mills or jet mills at a high speed to achieve a large production volume.

The Quality Standards and Regulations of Matcha in Different Regions and Countries：

Besides the Chinese national standard GB/T 34778-2017 ¹, there are also other quality standards and regulations for matcha in different regions and countries. Some examples are:

- Japan: Japan is the largest producer and consumer of matcha in the world. Japan has its own grading system for matcha that is based on the origin, cultivation, production and quality of the tea leaves. The main grades of matcha in Japan are: ceremonial grade, premium grade, cafe grade and kitchen grade. Japan also has a voluntary certification system for organic matcha that is based on the Japanese Agricultural Standard (JAS) ². The JAS organic logo indicates that the matcha is produced without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides or additives, and meets the requirements of organic farming and processing.

- Europe: Europe is the second largest market for matcha after Japan. Europe has a mandatory regulation for matcha that is based on the European Union (EU) legislation ³. The EU regulation sets the maximum levels of contaminants, residues and additives that are allowed in matcha, and requires the traceability and labeling of matcha products. The EU regulation also recognizes the ISO/TR 21380:2022 as a technical report that provides the definition and characteristics of matcha tea.

- ISO: ISO is an international organization that develops and publishes voluntary standards for various products and services. ISO has a technical report ISO/TR 21380:2022 that provides the definition and characteristics of matcha tea. The technical report covers the terms, definitions, requirements, test methods, inspection rules, marking, labeling, packaging, transportation and storage of matcha tea. The technical report is intended to facilitate the international trade and communication of matcha tea.

Conclusion

In conclusion, matcha is a type of green tea that has different grades and characteristics depending on its color, aroma, flavor, texture and foamability. The grade of matcha also affects its price and application in different markets. There are different quality standards and regulations for matcha in different regions and countries that aim to ensure the safety and quality of matcha products. Matcha is a unique and valuable tea product and a cultural symbol that has a global appeal and potential.