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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.
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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
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In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan Ahn and ZongjunLi explore the rich history and cultural significance of matcha . They discuss the origins of tea, the evolution of matcha production, and the impact of historical events on its consumption. The conversation delves into the mythical stories surrounding tea, the development of the Japanese tea ceremony, and contemporary critiques of its practice. They also address the globalization of matcha, the specialty matcha movement, and the complexities of cultural appropriation in today's society. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of matcha as both a traditional and innovative product.
This episode references the book Making Tea, Making Japan by Kristin Surak.
https://www.sup.org/books/asian-studies/making-tea-making-japan
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In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan and Zongjun delve into the often-overlooked tensions between the values that shape how matcha is sourced and marketed. They argue that it’s in the compromises vendors make—whether in pursuit of tradition, product quality, or prestige—that their core values are most clearly revealed. This conversation unpacks the friction between consumer preferences, product quality, sustainability, support for Japanese tea farms, reverence for tea ceremony traditions, and matcha’s reputation as a health product. What happens when these priorities collide? And what does it say about the choices we make as producers, sellers, and drinkers of matcha?
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In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan Ahn and Zongjun discuss the complexities of matcha product positioning, emphasizing the need for transparency and consumer education. They explore the challenges of top-down positioning in the matcha industry, where consumers often lack the knowledge to make informed decisions. The hosts advocate for a shift towards a more transparent approach that allows consumers to understand the quality and flavor profiles of matcha products, ultimately leading to a more educated consumer base and a healthier market.
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In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan Ahn and Zongjun Li interview Jules Reyes, a seasoned matcha expert with over a decade of experience. Jules shares her journey into the matcha industry, her role in building community events, and her experience scaling the Jade Leaf Matcha. The conversation delves into the importance of customer connection and the evolving landscape of matcha education. Jules emphasizes the need for transparency in the industry and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the matcha market.
Jules is the creator if Instagram pages @matcha.sf @matcha.la @matcha.nyc
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In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, hosts Ryan Ahn and Zongjun Li reflect on their journey in the matcha industry, discussing their startup vision, the cultural significance of matcha, and the challenges faced in the market, particularly the ongoing matcha shortage. They emphasize the importance of community engagement, feedback, and the need for innovation in the matcha supply chain. The episode also highlights goals for the future and a call for anyone interested in becoming an early adaptor of our fresh ground matcha mill.
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This conversation explores the current debate about consumers buying scarce matcha powder and mixing it with milk. On one side of the spectrum "let consumers do what they want" and on the other side "consumers are destroying the subtly and nuance that makes high quality matcha incredibly unique". The hosts discuss the ongoing matcha shortage, the implications of the 'ceremonial grade' label, and the evolving landscape of matcha culture as it becomes more mainstream.
Special thanks to Monique from Matcha Moments based in the Philippines, Marc from Ooika based in the US, Cole from My Matcha Addiction based in the US, and Bryan from Matsu Matcha based in Singapore for their perspectives in this episode.
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This conversation delves into the intricate science of matcha whisking, exploring its cultural significance, preparation methods, and the sensory experience it offers. Hosts Ryan and Zongjun discuss the unique properties of matcha as a suspension, the challenges of achieving the perfect foam, and the evolution of matcha consumption from traditional ceremonies to modern-day practices. They also touch on the subjective nature of quality in matcha and the need for innovation in its preparation.
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In this episode, Ryan Ahn and Zongjun (Sam) Li explore the concept of authenticity, particularly in the context of matcha and tea culture. They discuss how the term 'authenticity' can be problematic, often used as a weapon to police others' practices, and how it creates a fear of judgment that stifles innovation. The conversation delves into the contradictions between tradition and modernity, the implications of cultural appropriation, and the double standards faced by different cultural practices. Ultimately, they advocate for a more personal and subjective understanding of authenticity, encouraging listeners to focus on their own preferences and experiences rather than external judgments.
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On this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, hosts Ryan and Zongjun talk to Jacque from Jacque and Matcha based in Manila, the Philippines. We discuss pop ups, the rise of specialty matcha, Filipino matcha preferences and the launch of her new brand.
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Episode Summary:
Ryan Ahn and Zongjun (Sam) Li explore how specialty matcha can go mainstream, drawing lessons from specialty coffee. They discuss the role of major brands, the need for consumer education, quality standards, and innovative preparation methods to grow the global matcha community. -
Modern advancements in farming, breeding, and production reveal that matcha is far from being a relic of the past—it is a dynamic and evolving tradition. Although the matcha enjoyed today differs from what earlier generations experienced, it maintains a lineage of ongoing development. These changes arise from the interplay of industry, market forces, and culture, creating a vibrant and interconnected community that continually influences and redefines itself.
This adaptability is what defines matcha’s authenticity. Authenticity isn’t about freezing traditions in time but about a culture’s capacity to evolve, grow, and stay relevant. Matcha’s true authenticity lies in its transformation, not in clinging to a fixed, idealized version of the past.https://omsom.com/blogs/second-menu/how-calling-for-authenticity-can-be-a-burden?srsltid=AfmBOop7WVHOrUMzY6UuV2vxfxnIIm6DcROU60Mjn1Pw7ADtqJZW4-Ux
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3dGSrCp4Y8RVzqL96MBkNp?si=b77ed26e223e43b6
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In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan Ahn and Zongjun (Sam) Li delve into the complexities and confusions surrounding poetic matcha names. They discuss how these names can mislead consumers, the cultural context of matcha consumption, and the need for transparency in the industry. The conversation highlights the potential harm to consumers and farmers alike, as well as the importance of evolving the naming conventions to better serve a modern audience. The hosts advocate for a shift towards more descriptive and transparent labeling to enhance consumer understanding and appreciation of matcha.
https://kyotojournal.org/tea-food-2/much-ado-about-matcha/
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In this conversation, Ryan and Nicole from Tea for Me Please discuss the evolution of matcha in the US, the impact of influencer culture on tea, and the importance of building relationships within the tea community. They explore the challenges of maintaining consumer interest in tea, the role of online communities, and the future trends in the matcha landscape, including the growing demand for transparency and quality in matcha products.
https://www.teaformeplease.com/
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In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan and Zongjun welcome Pau from Tea Nursery to discuss his journey as a tea farmer in Wazuka, the intricacies of tea farming, and the importance of cultivars. Paul shares insights from his experiences in Japan, detailing the seasonal challenges of tea farming and the significance of cultivar development. The conversation also touches on the role of geography in tea cultivation and the complexities of cultivar registration system in Japan.
The following cultivars were mentioned but not by name in this episode:
Yumesumika ゆめすみか
Shizuyutaka しずゆたか
https://www.teanursery.com/
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In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan and Zongjun explore their recent experiences in Tokyo, focusing on the cultural significance of kissaten coffee shops and their influence on the specialty coffee movement, in particular at Blue Bottle. They discuss the parallels between coffee and matcha, emphasizing the importance of hospitality, intentionality, and consumer experience. The conversation highlights lessons that the matcha industry can learn from the evolution of specialty coffee, as well as the potential for innovation in both fields.
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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.
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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
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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.
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