99% Invisible The Fever Tree Hunt
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Oct 31, 2023 
Mark Fennell, a writer and host of Stuff the British Stole, joins Kavita Philip, a malaria expert, to uncover the fascinating heist for the cinchona tree, the source of quinine. They explore how colonialism drove the British, Dutch, and French to seek these trees amid a malaria crisis. The discussion blends humor with critical insights on cultural appropriation and the unintended legacies of this botanical quest. Listeners will also discover how gin and tonic evolved from medicinal use to a symbol of colonial ties.
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Tasting Cinchona
- Mark Fennell tastes cinchona bark at a bar with bartender, Charles Kasbin.
- The bark, though bitter, is historically significant, playing a crucial role in history.
Cinchona's Significance
- Cinchona, native to Peru, is largely unknown to Peruvians themselves.
- Its significance lies in its role in treating malaria and its connection to empire building.
Malaria's Impact
- Malaria posed a significant threat to European colonists, particularly in India.
- Quinine, derived from cinchona bark, emerged as a key defense against the disease.