1: Matthew Mauger
Matthew Mauger is the co-author of Empire of Tea: The Asian Leaf that Conquered the World, which offers a cultural history of tea centered in British culture and society. In this conversation, he discusses the significant transformations of tea consumption in Britain in the 18th and 19th centuries. He also talks about the dramatic journey of tea from China to becoming a staple in British society, including the evolution of tea grading and its disappearance from the market today.
Listen on Spotify | Listen on Apple
Find Matthew Mauger at:
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/matthew_mauger
• Book: Amazon
Austin's Tea Sourcing
• Website: www.austinstea.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/austinsteasourcing
• Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@austinsteasourcing
• Email: contact@austinstea.com
Use code LISTENER for 15% off tea and teaware at Austin's Tea.
Chapters
00:00 Tea as a Symbol of Britishness
07:07 Tea as a Popular Commodity
10:52 Negotiating with Merchants in Chinese Ports
13:55 The Auctioning of Tea in Britain
20:30 Introduction to Tea Ships in the UK
23:31 The East India Company's Tea Auctions
27:12 Sensory Evaluation
30:22 Restrictions in Modern-Day Tea Competitions
34:39 Exploring the Types of Tea
38:56 Exploring Tea Grading Systems
42:15 Exploring the Cultural History of Tea
43:03 The Importance of Responsible Sourcing
43:18 Diverse Ways of Drinking and Interacting with Tea
44:31 Advice for Learning About Tea
44:55 The History and Branding of Tea
45:08 Dominant Forces in the Tea Industry
45:48 Tea History Books to Read