Back to Basics

In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan, Sam, and Marc discuss the intricacies of the tea industry, focusing on matcha and hojicha. They reflect on Marc's recent trip to Japan, where he learned about the challenges faced by tea farmers, the cultural significance of tea, and the dynamics of the market. The conversation delves into the future of matcha production, the impact of consumer behavior on pricing, and the potential for hojicha to become a specialty product.

In this episode, Ryan and Zongjun explore the journey of appreciating specialty matcha, discussing the consumer journey from beginner to an experienced consumer. They delve into the importance of context in appreciating matcha, the role of rarity and value, and how people form preferences. The conversation highlights the democratization of matcha appreciation, different sphere's in which matcha is appreciated in, and the need for "more educated" consumers who can discern quality and value in the market.

In this weeks episode, Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) interview Marcel from Unearthed Gallery based in Munich, Germany. They discuss the matcha scene in Germany, learnings from specialty matcha workshops Marcel has hosted, as well as importation complexities bringing matcha into the EU. https://unearthed-gallery.com/

In this episode of the Specialty Match podcast, Ryan and Sam welcome Dee from Homecoming Matcha to discuss her journey in the matcha industry. Dee shares her background, the vision behind her brand, and the importance of authenticity in matcha branding. The conversation explores the challenges of sourcing matcha, the impact of tariffs, and the products Dee plans to launch. They also discuss community engagement strategies and the future of the matcha industry, emphasizing the need for transparency and sustainability.https://www.homecomingmatcha.com/

In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan and Zongjun discuss their journey at Sanko, highlighting a significant milestone in their matcha milling technology. They explore the evolution of matcha from a traditional Japanese beverage to a global phenomenon, addressing the challenges of stale matcha in the supply chain and the importance of fresh milling. The conversation delves into cultural dynamics, innovation cycles, and the need for community engagement.If you are interested in the beta program please reach out to us at [email protected], on our website, or on Instagram @sanko_matcha

In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan and Zongjun discuss the 2025 matcha harvest with Marc from Ooika. They discuss the quality and yield of the spring 2025 harvest, the matcha shortage, prices, and the economic dynamics of Uji tea.The episode also includes participants from the Ooika matcha tour and was recorded at the end of day one.

In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan and Sam share their experiences of hand-picking tea in Uji, Japan for the 2025 harvest season. They discuss the unique challenges and techniques involved in tea harvesting, the community spirit among tea pickers, and the sustainability issues facing the industry. The conversation also touches on the cultural aspects of tea production, the gatekeeping in matcha culture, and offers advice for those interested in tea picking. They conclude with thoughts on the future of matcha and the potential for growth in other regions beyond Uji.

In this episode, Ryan and Zongjun discuss their experiences with matcha in various cafes, particularly in London. They explore the quality of matcha served, the preparation techniques used, and the importance of staff training. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by cafes in delivering high-quality matcha with exacting standards and the need for better consumer education. They also emphasize the significance of infrastructure and workflow in cafes to improve matcha quality and share insights on how the matcha industry can evolve.

In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan and Zongjun discuss the current state of matcha in cafes, highlighting the challenges of quality, barista training, and consumer expectations. They explore the structural issues within the matcha industry, including supply chain problems and the lack of education for both baristas and consumers. The conversation emphasizes the need for better quality products and the importance of creating demand for specialty matcha.

In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan and Zongjun interview David Lavecchia, co-founder of Tezumi, a company specializing in specialty Japanese tea and teaware. They discuss the founding of Tezumi, the challenges of sourcing, and the importance of transparency in the tea industry. The conversation also explores the complexities and heritage of zairai (seed-grown tea), the evolution matcha milling, the role of the chashi (tea blenders), lost matcha production methods, the sen-Senke, samurai warrior class schools including David's school Ueda Sōko-ryū, and Tezumi's content creation process. https://www.tezumi.com/https://www.youtube.com/@tezumitea