The history of tea

April 13, 2023

The history of tea

Tea is one of the most popular drinks in the world and has a rich history that spans thousands of years. Here's our brief overview of the history of tea - brief enough to enjoy over a cup of tea!

Legend has it that tea was discovered in China in 2737 BC by the Chinese Emperor Shen Nong. While sitting under a tree, a leaf from the Camellia sinensis plant fell into his boiling water, and he enjoyed the resulting drink. This is believed to be the first cup of tea ever made.

Tea was initially consumed for medicinal purposes and was later used for its stimulating and refreshing properties. It wasn't until the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) that tea became a popular beverage in China.

During the Tang Dynasty, tea was introduced to Japan by Buddhist monks who had visited China. The Japanese developed their own tea ceremony, called Chanoyu, which emphasized the importance of harmony, respect, and tranquility.

teapot

Tea was introduced to Europe in the 16th century by Portuguese traders. The Dutch were the first to start importing tea on a large scale in the early 17th century, and it quickly became popular in England. The British East India Company was instrumental in the global spread of tea, establishing plantations in India and Sri Lanka to meet the growing demand.

Today, tea is grown and consumed around the world, with China, India, and Sri Lanka being the largest producers. There are countless varieties of tea, each with its own unique flavour and health benefits. From the traditional Chinese tea ceremonies to the British afternoon tea, tea remains an important part of many cultures and traditions.

Click here to browse our range of premium organic teas and make sure you're enjoying the very best cuppa every day!

cupsmith teapots collage

 





Also in Blog

What is green tea?
What is green tea?

April 14, 2023

Continue Reading

Mini escapes with Cupsmith
Mini escapes with Cupsmith

March 09, 2023

Take a flask of hot chocolate if you're out and about and enjoy a well-deserved mini escape from our all-too busy lives.

Continue Reading

We've got the keys to our new factory!
We've got the keys to our new factory!

March 07, 2023

Continue Reading