In this episode of the Specialty Match Podcast, hosts Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) delve into the world of matcha milling. They explore various milling mechanisms, including traditional stone-ground (ishi usu) matcha, and modern approaches such as ball mills and jet mills. The conversation highlights the operational complexities of these machines, the importance of particle morphology and heat management, and the grinding mechanisms of each method.

Additionally, they announce features of the matcha mill they are currently developing, Sanko Usu One, to mill matcha fresh anywhere and everywhere to a similar quality standard of a traditional stone ishi usu. For more information on Sanko Usu One, please email hello@sanko-cha.com or message us on Instagram @sanko_matcha or @specialtymatcha for a link-only Notion page with all of the details . Pre-orders for the beta program open in September, 2025!

In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, hosts Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) welcome Erin Lindwall, founder of Matcha Yu, to discuss her journey into the world of matcha, the evolution of matcha culture in Australia, and the challenges faced in the tea industry. Erin shares her experiences in Japan, the importance of quality and education in matcha, and the cultural significance of matcha. The conversation also touches on the growing interest in matcha among younger generations and the impact of coffee culture on matcha consumption.

https://www.matchayutea.com/

In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan, Sam, and Marc discuss the intricacies of the tea industry, focusing on matcha and hojicha. They reflect on Marc's recent trip to Japan, where he learned about the challenges faced by tea farmers, the cultural significance of tea, and the dynamics of the market. The conversation delves into the future of matcha production, the impact of consumer behavior on pricing, and the potential for hojicha to become a specialty product.

In this episode, Ryan and Zongjun explore the journey of appreciating specialty matcha, discussing the consumer journey from beginner to an experienced consumer. They delve into the importance of context in appreciating matcha, the role of rarity and value, and how people form preferences. The conversation highlights the democratization of matcha appreciation, different sphere's in which matcha is appreciated in, and the need for "more educated" consumers who can discern quality and value in the market.

In this weeks episode, Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) interview Marcel from Unearthed Gallery based in Munich, Germany. They discuss the matcha scene in Germany, learnings from specialty matcha workshops Marcel has hosted, as well as importation complexities bringing matcha into the EU.

https://unearthed-gallery.com/

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 and sustainability.

https://www.homecomingmatcha.com/

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 beta program please reach out to us at ryan@sanko-cha.com, on our website, or on Instagram @sanko_matcha

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.