In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, hosts Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) welcome back Pau from Tea Nursery to discuss various aspects of tea cultivation and processing. The conversation delves into the 2025 spring harvest in Wazuka, including weather impacts and frost prevention techniques. They explore the realities of tea farming and the physical demands of tencha processing. The discussion also covers matcha fertilization practices, the effects of environmental stress on tea plants, and the unique characteristics of extreme-shaded tea leaves that turn a pale white color. They touch on the influence of traditional techniques on modern tea processing and the creation of unique matcha flavors.

They also discuss the significance of Zairai and the challenges of maintaining genetic diversity in tea plants. The conversation also highlights the impact of market pressures on tea farmers and the ongoing matcha shortage crisis, exploring how the industry is adapting to these challenges and the future of matcha production.

https://www.teanursery.com/