subject: The Story Behind The Invention Of Tea [print this page] Tea is a renowned drink, enjoyed hot and cold by people across the world. Just like the teapot, the story behind the invention of tea has a long history. Here we list the main points about the invention of tea and discuss how it became so widely appreciated all over the world.
A Chinese invention
Tea is the most widely consumed drink in the world apart from water. It is hard to imagine, but all tea originated from China. It has only been within the last 150 years that tea has been cultivated outside of China.
During the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-97) tea was distributed throughout China in many different ways. As dried leaves, pressed cakes and powders. From China tea consumption spread to Japan, Java as well as India and Sri Lanka. Europe did not begin importing tea until the early 17th century.
It is suggested that Chinese Tea was cultivated for medical purposes as far back as the 12th century B.C.
The famous story of the emperor who discovered tea
There is a story about the emperor who is said to have invented tea. It is estimated that in 2737 B.C. the Chinese Emperor Shen Nung was boiling water outside when a leaf from a bush fell into the water. Before pulling them out of the water he began to smell the aroma of the leaves brewing. He tasted it, enjoyed its flavour and tea was born.
The introduction of tea across the globe
It was Portuguese and Dutch traders that first bought tea to Europe with consistent shipments by 1610. Although well-known as a country of avid tea-drinkers, England was relatively late to the tea trade. The first samples of tea arrived in England between 1652 and 1654 and initially the drink was seen as more of a medicine for ailments.
Coffee houses in London soon adopted selling tea and by 1700 over 500 of them were selling it both freshly brewed and the tea leaves as well. By 1750 tea had become the favourite drink for many across England. Thus began the huge trend for elaborate teapots and afternoon and morning tea events.
America were a few years ahead of England, being introduced to tea a few years earlier by colonist, Peter Stuyvesant.
The health benefits of drinking tea
There is no denying the health benefits of drinking tea. Tea contains a high level of antioxidants such as polyphenols, flavanoids and catechins which help the body fight against disease.
Tea also contains fluoride which is good for your teeth and helps to fight bacteria, controls the formation of plaque and fights bad breath.
There is no doubt that tea can help lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure and help your mind and body relax.
Some teas have different health benefits to others. Some are higher in antioxidants and aid different things.
Much research has been done into the argument of whether or not tea helps fight cancer, alzheimer's and other diseases.
Tea is a great drink not only for it's health benefits, but also a delicious warm drink to be brewed and served for when you have guests or simply if you feel like a nice soothing drink to help you unwind.
