210: The history of tea - from ancient China to kombucha

<div>The history of tea is as interesting and varied as the drink itself.<br> <br> </div> <div>In this episode we delve into that history to see what the past can offer present day tea makers.<br> <br> </div> <div>Stefan Gates is joined by Will Battle, Managing Director at Fine Tea Merchants, and author of the World Tea Encyclopaedia.<br> <br> </div> <div>They look back at the role tea has played in the economy of the world, in the past and today.<br> <br> </div> <div>The history of tea includes its use as a currency and how smuggling brought it to the masses in the UK.<br> <br> </div> <div>We also learn why one tiny parcel of tea was once worth more than a limousine.<br> <br> </div> <div> <strong>Will Battle, Managing Director, Fine Tea Merchants<br> </strong><br> </div> <div>Will Battle is Managing Director of Fine Tea Merchants Ltd, a business-to-business tea importing, trading and wholesale company. <br> <br> </div> <div>Will’s critically-acclaimed book <em>The World Tea Encyclopaedia </em>is in its second edition and won a ‘Best in the World’ award at The Gourmand World Cookbook awards.<br> <br> </div>