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The Tea History Podcast
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.
Ep. 9 | The Ming Dynasty Tea Revolution
In this episode, tea starts to become more familiar to us after the Hongwu Emperor demands all future tribute teas must be sent in loose-leaf form.
Ep. 8 | Ladies and Gentlemen, Oolong Tea
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.”
Ep. 7 | Tea During the Song Dynasty
Royals, officials, scholars, and common people are enjoying tea and writing poems inspired by this beverage that has taken China by storm.
Ep. 6 | Camellia Sinensis, Superstar
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.
Ep. 5 | The Classic of Tea
This time, we give a once-over to his masterpiece, The Cha Jing or Classic of Tea.
Ep. 4 | The Sage of Tea: Lu Yu
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.
Ep. 3 | Tea Hits the Big Time (The Sui, Tang, and Tibet)
Tea's rise during the Sui and Tang are introduced this time, and we’ll look at the important role tea played in Tibet and other border regions.
Ep. 2 | A Bitter Brew in Bronze Age China
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.
Ep. 1 | Tea's Ancient Beginnings in China
Welcome to the Tea History Podcast inaugural episode. In this first episode we'll explore tea's humble beginnings in the Ba and Shu States.