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PODCAST

Specialty Matcha Podcast

Sanko Matcha Products

The Specialty Matcha Podcast is hosted by Ryan Ahn and Zongjun Li, cofounders of Sanko Matcha Products. We discuss the growth in popularity of matcha, innovation, and matcha science. We also interview thought leaders, tea merchants, and tea educators to discuss everything from sourcing, processing, blending, milling, storytelling, health claims, and much more. Sanko Matcha Products is a startup dedicated to using functional design to create contemporary matcha gear and the use of new technology to

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All Episodes

00:55:13

Interview with Homecoming Matcha, Dee

Specialty Matcha Podcast ·

2025/06/05

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

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00:57:46

Our mill is working!

Specialty Matcha Podcast ·

2025/05/30

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

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00:40:12

2025 Harvest Season with Marc from Ooika

Specialty Matcha Podcast ·

2025/05/22

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.

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00:39:06

Notes at Origin: Hand-picking Honzu Shaded Asahi...

Specialty Matcha Podcast ·

2025/05/15

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

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00:41:53

Back to Basics

Specialty Matcha Podcast ·

2025/05/11

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

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00:32:45

Why is average cafe matcha so bad?

Specialty Matcha Podcast ·

2025/05/01

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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02:01:45

Interview with Tezumi, David

Specialty Matcha Podcast ·

2025/04/24

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,

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01:07:27

Matcha's Past, Present, and Future

Specialty Matcha Podcast ·

2025/04/17

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

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00:47:07

What do you care about?

Specialty Matcha Podcast ·

2025/04/10

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

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00:42:01

Show, don't tell

Specialty Matcha Podcast ·

2025/04/03

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

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01:18:34

Interview with Industry Veteran, Jules Reyes

Specialty Matcha Podcast ·

2025/03/27

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

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00:50:10

Our Startup Pitch, Matcha Shortage Recap, and...

Specialty Matcha Podcast ·

2025/03/13

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

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00:47:57

Matcha + Milk Debate

Specialty Matcha Podcast ·

2025/03/06

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

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00:33:00

Mini Update & The Science of Matcha Whisking Repost

Specialty Matcha Podcast ·

2025/02/28

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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00:47:31

Authenticity Trap, Opinion

Specialty Matcha Podcast ·

2025/02/20

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

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00:51:01

Interview with Jacque and Matcha, Jacque

Specialty Matcha Podcast ·

2025/02/13

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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00:38:46

Battles to be Won

Specialty Matcha Podcast ·

2025/02/06

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.

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00:54:33

What is Authentic Matcha? Opinion

Specialty Matcha Podcast ·

2025/01/30

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

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00:58:12

Are Poetic Matcha Names Harmful?

Specialty Matcha Podcast ·

2025/01/23

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

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00:38:57

Interview with Tea for Me Please, Nicole

Specialty Matcha Podcast ·

2025/01/16

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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