Specialty Matcha Podcast

In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) interview Simona Suzuki from the Global Japanese Tea Association. They discuss the origins of the association, its mission to connect tea lovers and producers, and the challenges faced by the Japanese tea industry, particularly in light of the recent matcha boom. Simona shares insights on community engagement, education, and the importance of balancing tradition with innovation in tea culture. The conversation highlights the need for younger generations to get involved in the tea industry and the association's efforts to foster a global tea community.https://gjtea.org/https://www.youtube.com/@GlobalJapaneseTeaAssociation

In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) explore various aspects of matcha and tea culture more broadly, including how matcha can serve as a gateway to other leaf teas, their vision for a tea farm, the importance of sifting matcha, the relevance of best buy dates, and what consumers should ask to ensure they receive high-quality products. Thanks to all the listeners who submitted questions to our first AMA!

In this episode, Ryan and Sam (Zongjun) discuss the evolution of matcha with guests Jules Reyes and Marc St Raymond, formerly of the Jade Leaf Matcha. They explore the journey of matcha from a niche product to a mainstream beverage, the importance of consumer education, and the challenges of preparing matcha in cafes. The conversation delves into the significance of feedback in shaping matcha programs, the role of marketing in consumer expectations, and the future trends in the matcha industry. They also touch on the importance of transparency and the need for a deeper understanding of matcha quality among consumers. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of matcha consumption, exploring consumer preferences, the importance of education, and the cultural significance of matcha. They discuss the balance between traditional preparation methods and modern practices, emphasizing the need for innovation in the matcha industry. The introduction of Mindful Drops, a new product aimed at bringing the benefits of l-theanine in everyday life, highlights the accessibility of matcha's calming and focusing effects to a broader audience.https://www.matchaprogram.com/https://thematchaprogram.substack.com/IG: @matchaprogramIG: @mindfuldropsIG: @julesreyes_IG: @marcstraymond

In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, hosts Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) talk with with Dr. Rebecca Corbett, a historian specializing the history and practice of Japanese tea culture (chanoyu), and early modern Japanese women’s history. Dr. Corbett shares her personal journey into the world of tea and discusses the complexities of gender roles within tea practices. The conversation also touches on the influence of the Urasenke school, the secretive nature of knowledge transmission in Chanoyu, and the institutionalized sexism present in Japanese society. Dr. Corbett's book, Cultivating Femininity: Women and Tea Culture in Edo and Meiji Japan, sheds light on the women who were written out of tea history and disproves orthodox narratives perpetuated by the largest and most powerful schools of tea ceremony in the world. https://libraries.usc.edu/person/rebecca-corbetthttps://theconversation.com/green-gruel-pea-soup-what-westerners-thought-of-matcha-when-they-tried-it-for-the-first-time-263014?utm_medium=article_clipboard_share&utm_source=theconversation.comhttps://library.oapen.org/handle/20.500.12657/30216https://globaltea.ucdavis.edu/

In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) discuss their journey in developing a countertop matcha mill and the challenges they face in sourcing high-quality tencha. They explore the unexpected flavor profiles discovered in fresh milled gyokuro and the science behind milling and flavor extraction. The conversation delves into the contradictions within the matcha industry, the power dynamics at play, and the future of specialty matcha.