Tea history: everything you wanted to know

Published: Oct. 5, 2024, 11 p.m.

Chances are, like most of us, you probably enjoy a good cup of tea. But how did the world come to be so obsessed with this now-ubiquitous hot beverage? Where did it originate? How did trading it trigger wars? And when did people first experience the delights of an elegant afternoon tea? Elinor Evans puts your top questions on tea to historian, writer, and tea specialist Jane Pettigrew.\n\nListen to Jonathan Morris chart the history of another of the world's favourite hot drinks, coffee: https://link.chtbl.com/rwuCVcs9. \n\nThe HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine.\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices