Matcha Purity Chart

Forget the confusing labels you see in big-box stores. At Street Cats Coffee, we measure quality through a transparent 9-level purity scale. This system tracks the journey of the leaf from the harvest cycle to the milling process, ensuring you know exactly what’s in your tin.

Understanding the Levels

The scale moves from Least Pure (Level 1) to Most Pure (Level 9), defined by the harvest season and the precision of the grind.

• Levels 1-2 (The Basics): These consist of late-season 2nd or 3rd harvests. They are less vibrant and often have a bitter, "dusty" profile best suited for industrial baking.

• Levels 4-6 (The Middle Ground): A step up, often blending 1st and 2nd harvests or using "air mill" processing. These are your standard "daily" matchas found in most cafes.

• Level 8 (High Grade): This is a 1st harvest tea that has been stone-milled to maintain its delicate nutrient profile and color.

The Level 9 Standard: Our Purest Grade

We exclusively sell Level 6, 8, & 9 Matcha because your ritual deserves the absolute best. This level represents the peak of Japanese tea craftsmanship:

• 1st Harvest Only: We only use the youngest, tenderest leaves from the very first pick of the spring.

• Okumidori (Single Cultivar): Unlike lower levels that blend leftovers, our Level 9 is a single cultivar (Okumidori), prized for its deep umami and zero-bitterness finish.