Cohosts Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) discuss their experience in Nishio, Aichi including learning about pest control techniques, unique tana-shelf shading structures of Aichi, differences between a Mikawa and Horii Style tencha oven, high efficiency "simple" or "net-type" tencha driers, and their experience milling tencha on Sanko Usu One.

Cohosts Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) discuss their learning journey hand picking tea for 3 days in Toyota, Aichi. They discuss tencha processing (including a unique withering step this producer uses which produces an almost baozhong-like fragrance), ishi usu stone milling, and fertilizing practices.

Ryan and Zongjun discuss the legal, cultural, and economic implications of geographic indications in the tea industry.

https://open.substack.com/pub/sankomatcha/p/japan-filed-for-japanese-tea-gi-status?r=3mxquk&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

We are very proud to upload our 100th podcast and the end of season 4.

https://sankomatcha.com/

https://sankomatcha.substack.com/p/load-bearing-myths

Accompanying Substack Article: Load-Bearing Myths

https://open.substack.com/pub/sankomatcha/p/load-bearing-myths?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

Hosts Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) explore the mythologizing in matcha and tea, breaking down how demand, marketing, and cultural narratives shape perceptions of quality and origin. This episode uncovers the myths behind famous regions like Uji and the impact on consumers and producers.

Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) explore the evolving landscape of matcha, drawing parallels with the coffee industry, discussing innovation opportunities, and envisioning a future ecosystem that empowers farmers, enhances product quality, and expands market access.

Hosts Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) discuss updates on their countertop matcha mill Sanko Usu One, the development of new community tools and projects, and their upcoming research article about unpacking the inconvenient truth about Uji Matcha.

In this episode, cohosts Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) speak with Billy from BHD Consulting who shares his two-decade journey in the tea industry, focusing on matcha, branding, sourcing, and industry trends. Discover insights on building a tea brand, navigating traditional and modern markets, and the future of matcha and specialty tea.

IG: @sirwillotleaf

https://www.bdhconsultants.com/about

https://steepinsights.substack.com/