Ep. 11 | Europeans Discover Tea
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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Terms in Episode
| Pinyin/Term | Chinese | English/Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Shén Nóng | 神农 | Mythical Chinese ruler from pre-history. Known by many names. |
| Yúnnán | 云南 | Province in Southwest China |
| Bā | 巴 | The state of Ba, located in modern Chongqing and Western Hubei |
| Shǔ | 蜀 | The state of Shu, located in modern Chengdu |
| Sìchuān | 四川 | Province in Western China |
| Qín Shǐhuáng | 秦始皇 | The first emperor of China and founder of the Qin Dyansty |
| Míng Dynasty | 明朝 | Dynasty in China that lasted 1368 to 1644 |
| Shénnóng Běncǎo Jing | 神农本草经 | Shen Nong’s Herb Root Classic |
| Jǐngdézhēn | 景德镇 | City in Jiangxi where the most famous porcelain in China is made |
| Jiājìng emperor | 嘉靖帝 | Ming emperor who reigned 1521-1567 |
| Guǎngdōng | 广东 | China’s southernmost province (not including Hainan Island) |
| Fújiàn | 福建 | Coastal province in China. They grow a lot of tea there |
| Yǎ’ān | 雅安 | Ya'an, a city not too far from Chengdu |
| Lāsà | 拉萨 | Lhasa, capital of Tibet |
| Wǔyí Mountains | 武夷山 | Mountains in northern Fujian, famous for the scenic beauty and variety of teas |
| Bái Háo | 白毫 | Pekoe |
| hóng chá | 红茶 | Black tea (even though "hong" means red |
| Zhū Yuánzhāng | 朱元璋 | Founder of the Ming Dynasty. He lived from 1328-1398 |
| Hóngwǔ Emperor | 洪武帝 | Temple name of Zhu Yuanzhang |
| Sōng Luó | 松萝茶 | Sung Lo Tea |
| Xiūníng County | 休宁县 | County in Anhui where Song Luo Mountain is located |
| Huángshān | 黄山 | The Yellow Mountain range, in southern Anhui Province in eastern China |
| Chǎoqīng | 炒青 | A method of lightly pan frying the tea leqaves to control the oxidation of the leaf |
| chánóng | 茶农 | A tea farmer |
| Mǐnběi | 闽北 | Mǐnběi dialect of northern Fujian Province |
| Gōngfu chá | 功夫茶 | Congou Tea as well as the process of making carefully prepared tea for onself or for guests. |
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The tea trade transforms into an entire industry and becomes the most important traded commodity of the British East India Company