An Afternoon with a Chashi

In this episode, Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) explore matcha through the lens of sensory science, flavor profiling, and quality assessment. They discuss cultural perspectives on taste, the socially-constructed nature of quality assessment, the role of descriptive analysis, and different frameworks for tasting. The episode concludes with comparative tastings examining the effects of temperature and dilution in matcha preparation, differences across matcha blends, and a comparison between two hand-picked, single-cultivar Asahi matchas made from Uji-grown tencha: one organic and kanreisha (shelf) shaded, the other conventionally grown and honzu shaded.

https://forms.gle/48rLN1nXi6vAC1YF6In this episode, the hosts delve into the intricate world of matcha blending after spending an afternoon with a top-ranked chashi. The conversation covered topics such as new and exciting cultivars, compromises made when blending lower quality tencha, and their options of Chinese matcha which might surprise you!Koto Tea Space / Chajin Life in Bangkok recorded this great video referenced in the episode where they touch on one of the theories behind the "shiro" poetic naming convention and the role chashi's have played historically: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8U25u1BuK0

*Correction: Uji City produced only 37.6 tons of tencha in 2024, not 70 tons. I confused this number with the area of actively farmed tea cultivation in Uji City which is 73.6 hectares (source: https://www.pref.kyoto.jp/nosan/documents/r6chachosa2.pdf)In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) delve into the intricate relationship between trust and the matcha industry. They explore how trust serves as the primary undercurrent of the industry, the complexities surrounding Uji matcha, and the challenges of mislabeling and transparency in the supply chain. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the context behind matcha sourcing and production, as well as the evolving expectations of consumers in a rapidly changing market.

In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) welcome Lissi and Zach from Cosmic Cultures. They discuss the importance of low intervention agricultural practices in matcha, especially regarding the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides . The conversation delves into the importance of building relationships with farmers, the evolving landscape of matcha sourcing, and the significance of educating consumers about the quality and taste of naturally grown matcha. They also touch on the future of the matcha industry and the impact of organic certifications on consumer choices.https://cosmic-cultures.com/

In this episode, Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) explore the history and evolving landscape of matcha and Korean tea culture. They discuss the globalization of matcha, the impact of Japanese colonial history, and the modern practices of tea production in Korea, particularly in regions like Jeju Island but also Boseong and Hadong. The conversation highlights the unique characteristics of Korean matcha, its potential in the global market, and the cultural narratives surrounding tea. The Korean Way of Tea in History and Today (Lecturer: Brother Anthony)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KE9laWgT5gE

In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, hosts Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) talk with Oscar Brekell, a renowned expert and author in Japanese tea. He is the founder of the tea brand Senchaism, author of multiple books including A beginner's guide to Japanese Tea, and is a certified Nihoncha instructor.They explore Oscar's journey into the world of Japanese tea, the inner workings of tea research institutes, and the significance of cultivar development and processing techniques in shaping the flavors of tea. The conversation delves into the tea ecosystem in Japan, the auction systems, and the evolving landscape of matcha cultivation. Oscar emphasizes the importance of processing over terroir in determining the quality of tea and providing insights into the future of tea cultivation. This conversation explores the modern interpretation of single origin and the implications of a globalized matcha market. They also highlight the changing preferences of younger consumers and the potential future of tea consumption.Our new podcast music is here! Huge thanks to Garrett Rabian for composing and recording it.https://www.instagram.com/brekell/https://senchaism.myshopify.com/https://www.brekell.com/

In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan and Sam (Zongjun) reflect on the evolution of matcha culture, the challenges posed by a global shortage, and the importance of embracing new consumer trends. They discuss the cultural shifts in matcha consumption, the stigmatization of non-Japanese matcha, and the need for a more inclusive global matcha community. The conversation highlights the potential for matcha to thrive as a global beverage while addressing the complexities of supply and quality.

In this episode, Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) interview Carolina , founder of Soy Té, who shares her tea journey. Carolina discusses the evolution of the matcha scene in Mexico, the different consumer groups, and the cultural influences on matcha consumption. She also shares her experiences in Japan, the challenges of sourcing quality matcha, and the importance of educating consumers about matcha. The conversation highlights the need for transparency in the industry and the significance of maintaining cultural appreciation in the tea world.https://soyte.mx/IG: @soytemx

In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) interview Abby, a matcha scientist, who shares her journey from getting a PhD in chemical engineering at Stanford to exploring the world of matcha. The conversation delves into the science behind matcha, the challenges in researching it, and the importance of consumer education and transparency in the matcha industry. Abby discusses her use of colorimetry to measure matcha quality and the need for more scientific studies on matcha's health benefits. The episode concludes with Abby's future plans for her content and community engagement.Follow Abby: @thematchascientistthematchascientist.com

In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, hosts Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) welcome back Pau from Tea Nursery to discuss various aspects of tea cultivation and processing. The conversation delves into the 2025 spring harvest in Wazuka, including weather impacts and frost prevention techniques. They explore the realities of tea farming and the physical demands of tencha processing. The discussion also covers matcha fertilization practices, the effects of environmental stress on tea plants, and the unique characteristics of extreme-shaded tea leaves that turn a pale white color. They touch on the influence of traditional techniques on modern tea processing and the creation of unique matcha flavors. They also discuss the significance of Zairai and the challenges of maintaining genetic diversity in tea plants. The conversation also highlights the impact of market pressures on tea farmers and the ongoing matcha shortage crisis, exploring how the industry is adapting to these challenges and the future of matcha production.https://www.teanursery.com/