A history of tea The life and times of the world's favorite beverage

Laura C. Martin

Book - 2018

As the world's most popular beverage, tea has fascinated us, awakened us, motivated us, and calmed us for well over two thousand years. A History of Tea tells the compelling story of the rise of tea in Asia and its eventual spread to the West and beyond. From the tea houses of China's ancient Tang Dynasty (618-907) to the tea ceremonies developed by Japanese Zen Buddhist monks, to the current social issues faced by tea growers in India and Sri Lanka- this fascinating book explores the complex history of this universal drink. It illuminates the industries and traditions that have developed as tea spread throughout the world and it explains how tea is transformed into the many varieties that people drink each day. It also features a... quick reference guide on subjects such as proper tea terminology and brewing. Whatever your cup of tea, green, black, white, oolong, chai, Japanese, Chinese, Sri Lankan, American or British, every tea aficionado will enjoy reading A History of Tea to learn more about their favorite beverage.

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Subjects
Published
Hong Kong : Tuttle Publishing 2018.
Language
English
Main Author
Laura C. Martin (author)
Physical Description
216 pages, 16 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations (some colour), colour maps ; 21 cm
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN
9780804851121
  • Introduction
  • 1. From Shrub to Cup: An Overview
  • 2. History and Legend
  • 3. Tea in Ancient China and Korea
  • 4. Tea in Ancient Japan
  • 5. The Japanese Tea Ceremony
  • 6. Tea in the Ming Dynasty
  • 7. Tea Spreads Throughout the World
  • 8. The British in India, China, and Ceylon
  • 9. Tea in England and the United States
  • 10. Tea Today and Tomorrow
  • Appendices
  • Tea-Growing Countries
  • The Professionals' Terms For Describing Tea
  • Choice Teas From Around The World
  • Tisanes, Or Herbal "Teas"
  • Tea With Food
  • Best Times Of Day For Sipping Various Teas
  • How To Brew A Perfect Cup Of Tea
  • Cooking With Tea: The Possibilities
  • Tea And Health
  • Useful Websites
  • Index
  • Selected Bibliography
  • Further Reading
  • Color Insert Images
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review

In this stimulating history, gardening and crafts writer Martin follows tea from its medicinal origins in fourth-century China through its spread across the globe. Martin begins with a fact: all brews-black, white, and green-come from one plant species, Camellia sinensis. Distinct styles, such as matcha and Darjeeling, develop during processing, while so-called herbal teas derive from other plants. The author explains tea's early use as a meditation aid for Buddhist monks, tracks its popularization during China's T'ang Dynasty, and delightfully details the Japanese tea ceremony. "The polar opposite of the battlefield," teahouses in 14th-century Japan were where drinkers escaped conflict. Yet, when Dutch and British trading companies introduced tea to Europe in 1606, it sparked centuries of exploitation, and Martin reveals how Britain traded India-grown opium for the high-society drink from China. She guides today's drinkers to fair-traded brands that protect workers and includes a tasting vocabulary (such as burnt, earthy, or malty), a list of quality blends, and a guide to brewing the perfect cup. This is an informative plunge into tea's history. Photos and illus. (Sept.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

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