What is a Specialty Product?

In this episode, Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) Li share their experiences and insights from their recent trip to Uji, Izumo City, and Yame. They discuss the unique practices of tea farmers, the intricacies of tea processing, and the differences between artisanal and industrial matcha production. The conversation also touches on the impact of matcha's growing popularity, the challenges faced by small farmers, and the future of matcha sourcing and innovation.

Ryan and Zongjun welcome Monique from Matcha Moments. Monique shares insights into the growing matcha culture in the Philippines, her Urasenke practice, educating consumers about high-quality matcha, and the importance of local cafes in promoting specialty matcha. Instagram: @matchamoments.ph

Ryan and Zongjun recorded this episode "in the field" during their tencha sourcing trip in Japan. In this episode they discuss differences between Uji and Yame as tea production areas. Some topics discussed are: honzu shading, ishi usu vs ball milling, hika aroma ("fire" or "roasted" aroma), hoshino yame matcha, and technology in tencha processing. If you're interested in the Fukuoka tea tourism map, please reach out to us directly on Instagram or on our website.

Ryan and Zongjun recorded this podcast episode during their sourcing trip to Japan and share there notes and experiences.

In this episode, cohosts Ryan and Zongjun record directly in Uji after visiting several family owned and operated multi-generational tea farms. We share our notes and reactions from everything we learned and experienced. Topics range from the distinction between Uji Matcha vs Matcha from Uji, tencha fertilization practices, and industry power dynamics.

Ryan and Zongjun recorded this episode in Japan and shared their experiences buying matcha retail in Kyoto and Uji. They dive into product positioning, how information is communicated to consumers, and compare the flavor profile of the cheapest and most expensive matcha they could find.

In this conversation, Ryan and Sam explore the evolving landscape of fresh-milled matcha, discussing its rise in popularity, the technology behind its milling, and the various consumer perspectives on its quality and flavor. They delve into critiques of fresh-milled matcha, the challenges of maintaining quality, and the future of specialty matcha as an inclusive industry that embraces innovation while respecting tradition.

Special thanks to future guest on the Specialty Matcha Podcast Pau from Tea Nursery, and former guests Ian from Yunomi and Cole from My Matcha Addiction. Marukyu Koyamaen's Announcement: https://www.marukyu-koyamaen.co.jp/information/apology-and-notice-regarding-to-quantity-limit-restriction-on-matcha-products-and-the-current-situation/ https://www.teanursery.com/ https://yunomi.life/ https://mymatchaaddiction.com/

Ryan and Zongjun talk to friend and former colleague Dr. Yizhou Ma, assistant professor of food process engineering at Wageningen University in the Netherlands. In this episode they discuss matcha from a food science perspective including matcha milling, particle analysis, particle size distributions, morphology, suspensions, and foam formation. Check out Yizhou's podcast Hood in the Hood: https://open.spotify.com/show/04rulokx6auswo5gnhOqu9

In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan and Sam interview Tom Greese, co-founder of Chaseki, a matcha-focused business in Thailand. Tom shares his journey from the hospitality industry to launching Chaseki, the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the evolution of the matcha market in Thailand. The conversation delves into the importance of educating consumers about matcha cultivars, the growing specialty coffee scene's relationship with matcha, and future plans for Chaseki, including expansion into the US market. Tom emphasizes the need for a community around matcha and the importance of making quality matcha accessible to everyone.