The Tea History Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 11 | Europeans Discover Tea Jul 21, 2021

Show notes

During the late 16th century, the Jesuit Fathers become the first Europeans to drink tea. Soon afterward the Portuguese and Dutch traders start poking their noses around China and Japan. They too learn of this amazing beverage and see excellent prospects in their home markets. By the early 17th century The Dutch and British East India Companies are engaging in tea commerce. Though the Chinese at first wouldn't be caught dead drinking black tea, this too is discovered by the European traders and the rest is history.

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Ep. 10 | Yixing Teaware and the Gongfu Tea Ceremony Jul 14, 2021

Show notes

More Ming Dynasty tea history this time. Further innovations from China's tea artisans further improves the taste and experience of tea. The famous "zisha" clay teapots and tea ware from Yixing, Jiangsu province are introduced as well as their role in the Gongfu Tea Ceremony. As the second half of the Ming Dynasty starts to wind down, the Europeans will soon be knocking on China's door. They too will discover the goodness and greatness of tea with historic consequences.

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Ep. 9 | The Ming Dynasty Tea Revolution Jul 07, 2021

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The epic story continues after the greatest advances ever in tea production and tea culture in the Song. After surviving the Mongol Yuan Dynasty Camellia Sinensis experiences revolutionary improvements with the founding of the Ming Dynasty by Zhu Yuanzhang. Now tea starts to become more familiar to us after the Hongwu Emperor demands all future tribute teas must be sent in loose-leaf form. With loose leaf teas came greater demands for teaware. The history of the kilns of Jingdezhen is introduced, along with their calling card: Blue and White porcelain, China's first global brand. Other innovations such as teas scented with flowers and the Tea Manual of Zhu Quan are also discussed.

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Ep. 8 | Ladies and Gentlemen, Oolong Tea Jun 30, 2021

Show notes

Buddhism continues to embrace tea even further during the Song Dynasty giving rise to the term 茶禪一味 "Tea and Chan Buddhism are one taste." More Huizong, white tea, Japan's Myōan Eisai, and then we'll close with an intro to Wulong (Oolong) Tea and the emergence of the Wuyi Mountains in Fujian province as a tea powerhouse.

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Ep. 7 | Tea During the Song Dynasty Jun 23, 2021

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No longer is tea a bitter brew sharing a Chinese character with the one used for a bitter vegetable. Royals, officials, scholars, and common people are enjoying tea and writing poems inspired by this beverage that has taken China and Japan by storm. During the Song, tea takes on a new look and feel. We also revisit one of the greatest royal patrons of tea in Chinese history, Emperor Huizong.

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Ep. 6 | Camellia Sinensis, Superstar Jun 16, 2021

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In the post-Lu Yu world, tea starts to take off like a rocket. It will take a little longer for tea to get the needed traction in Japan but during the Tang, they get to see it and appreciate it up close. We'll also look at one of the early "Tea Persons", the poet and recluse Lu Tong, as well as one of his most famous tea poems. In this episode, we also start the discussion on tea ware, first Yue ware and Xing ware.

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Ep. 5 | The Classic of Tea Jun 09, 2021

Show notes

We looked at The Tea Saint, Lu Yu in the last episode. This time we give a once-over to his greatest work, The Cha Jing or Classic of Tea. The national popularity of tea in China really catches fire after Lu Yu shows everyone how to enjoy it, and enjoy life at the same time.

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Ep. 4 | The Sage of Tea: Lu Yu Jun 02, 2021

Show notes

In this episode, we finally introduce the Tea Saint. What Elvis was to rock n' roll, Lu Yu was to the popularity of tea in Chinese society. Here we'll look at his life and his work, "The Classic of Tea". From here on out, tea is no longer tú, and neither is it bitter.

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Ep. 3 | Tea Hits The Big Time - The Sui, Tang and Tibet May 26, 2021

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After centuries of trial and error, tea starts to transform from a bitter medicinal brew into something worthy of presenting to the emperor as tribute. Tea's rise during the Sui and Tang are introduced this time. The important role tea played in Tibet and other border regions is also discussed. The Tea Saint, Lu Yu will be saved for the next episode.

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Ep. 2 | A Bitter Brew In Bronze Age China May 19, 2021

Show notes

Tea's progress as an enjoyable beverage starts to make some headway since Shen Nong's time. But it's still one bitter brew during the Bronze Age centuries. Tea remains a work in progress but showing tremendous promise.

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