The two questions
we get most.
What is ceremonial grade matcha?
Ceremonial grade matcha is powdered first-harvest tencha leaf (ichibancha), grown in the shade for 20 to 30 days and milled on ishi-usu granite stones. It differs from culinary grade in its vivid jade green, pronounced umami sweetness and absence of astringency. The main Japanese regions are Uji (Kyoto), Nishio (Aichi) and Yame (Fukuoka). China also produces quality matcha, particularly in Jingshan and Guizhou.
Why did the price of matcha rise in 2025-26?
The tencha harvest in Kyoto fell 19% in 2025 (from 1,127 t to 939 t). Hand-picked tencha in Uji dropped 40% and the first-flush price rose 265% according to JA Kyoto and the ITC. On top of that, global demand has grown 86% in three years.