The Rich History of Tea: From Ancient Traditions to Today’s Culture
By chance, I met my American friend June on Facebook. Based on our common love for tea, we overcame language and cultural barriers. After many exchanges and with the patience of both sides, our Dancong tea traveled across the ocean, from one coast to another. Finally, June tasted the natural floral fragrance of our authentic Fenghuang(Phoenix) Mountain Dancong tea and learned about the history and stories behind Chaozhou's tea and tea culture.
Origins of Tea
Tea begins with its legendary origins in China, where it is believed to have been discovered by Emperor Shen Nung in 2737 BCE, and its early introduction in Japan by Buddhist monks in the 9th century.
The Chinese word for tea was likely derived from non-Sinitic languages of the botanical homeland of the tea plant.
Tea plants are native to East Asia, with the probable center of origin near the source of the Irrawaddy River.
The tea plant is considered to be within a small fan-shaped area between China, Myanmar, and Thailand.
Chinese small-leaf tea may have originated in southern China, while Assam tea may have originated in western Yunnan.
Legends from China and India
History of Tea
From the ancient Silk Road to modern globalization, tea has always played an important role in connecting different cultures and nations.
Rise of the tea
Tea consumption became widespread in China during the Tang dynasty (618-907).
A government-imposed tea tax further evidences the beverage’s growing popularity. During the rise of tea consumption in England, coffee houses were popular gathering places, primarily frequented by men before women began to embrace tea more widely.
Popularization in the Far East
Tea was introduced to Japan by a Japanese Buddhist monk, Saichō, in the 9th century.The most popular method of preparing tea involved grinding green tea leaves into a fine powder.The traditional Japanese tea ceremony (“Chanoyu”) was popularized by the Zen monk Eisai.Matcha is prepared with bamboo whisks and served in hand-crafted bowls.
Tea Enters the Western World
Traders, missionaries, and explorers traveling between Europe and the Orient became exposed to tea traditions in China and Japan.Marco Polo alludes to his discovery of tea in his travel writings about the East.Tea didn’t make a lasting appearance in the West until the 17th century.The Dutch East India Company brought tea to Europe in 1610.
The first shop to sell tea in England opened in 1657, run by Thomas Garraway.The tea fad caught on slowly with women who perceived it as a genteel drink.Charles II married Catherine of Braganza, a Portuguese royal, who adored tea and introduced the concept of tea time to the court.The British East India Company established their first foothold in the East by securing a tea factory in Macao.
The Rise of Tea in Europe
The British East India Company played a significant role in introducing tea to Britain, and its high price led to smuggling and adulteration. The British government took over direct control of India from the East India Company and actively promoted the tea industry, demonstrating its significance in colonial trade and economics. The government eventually reduced the tax on tea, making it more affordable and popular among the masses.Tea became a fashionable drink in Europe, particularly in the Netherlands and Germany.The British introduced tea to India and Sri Lanka, and the tea industry became a significant export.
Tea was first consumed in China around 2737 BC, and its popularity spread to Japan and Europe.The British East India Company played a significant role in introducing tea to Britain, and its high price led to smuggling and adulteration.The government eventually reduced the tax on tea, making it more affordable and popular among the masses.
Tea Innovations
The original tea bags were handmade, hand-stitched muslin or silk bags.Patents for tea bags existed as early as 1903.Thomas Sullivan is often credited with creating the first commercial tea bag concept.Iced tea originated at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, Missouri.
The History of Tea Innovations: From Tea Bags to Iced Tea
The tea bag was invented by Thomas Sullivan in 1907, but it did not become popular until after World War II.The “pyramid tea bag” was introduced in 1996, attempting to address connoisseurs’ arguments against paper tea bags.Some types of pyramid tea bags have been criticized as being environmentally unfriendly.Instant tea was developed in the 1930s and is an alternative to brewed tea.
Spread of Tea
Tea culture, as an important part of Chinese traditional culture, has crossed national borders and spread to every corner of the world.
Globally, the tea drinking methods and cultural significance of tea are unique, but without exception, tea has become a part of daily life,becoming a modern tea drinking
Important the tea trade
Tea is mainly grown in Asia and Africa, with smaller areas in South America and around the Black and Caspian Seas.
The four biggest tea-producing countries are China, India, Kenya, and Sri Lanka.
Global production of tea was 29.8 million tonnes in 2022, led by China with 49% and India with 20%.
Tea is divided into categories based on how it is processed.
Tea is a significant export industry, with many commercial organisations involved in the world tea trade. The British East India Company, one of the most influential commercial organisations the world has ever seen, played a crucial role in the tea trade, impacting both British society and international commerce.
Tea Drinking Culture
As people become more focused on healthy eating, tea has become a popular alternative beverage. Green tea and herbal teas, in particular, have become popular for their antioxidant properties and health benefits. Many Americans choose to drink tea instead of coffee at a coffee house because tea contains less caffeine and has a relaxing and stress-relieving effect.
- In the United States, tea is not just a tea drinking, but also a part of social life. Tea parties, tea culture activities and tea tastings have become part of friends' gatherings, family dinners or office leisure. Americans are gradually realizing the profound history of tea. It is not just a simple drink, but also carries a long history and philosophy.
- In the UK, afternoon tea has become an elegant social ritual;
- in Japan, the tea ceremony carries a deep Zen and etiquette;
- in India, strong masala tea has become a unique landscape in the streets and alleys.
- Whether in the East or the West, tea is not just a drink, but also a symbol of culture, a way of sharing and communication.
Drink Tea and Choose Good Tea Leaves
Drinking tea has been woven into the fabric of everyday life in Britain for centuries, earning its place as the nation’s favorite drink. The East India Company played a crucial role in popularizing tea in Europe, with the first shipment arriving in 1606. This marked the beginning of a tea trade that would shape global commerce for centuries.
One of the most renowned varieties, Assam tea, hails from the Assam region of India. Known for its robust and malty flavor, Assam tea quickly became a staple in British tea culture. The tea trade flourished, with tea being transported along ancient trade routes like the Silk Road, connecting the East and West.
The introduction of tea bags in the early 20th century revolutionized tea drinking, making it more convenient for people to brew tea at home. Today, tea bags are a common sight in households worldwide, simplifying the process of enjoying a perfect cup of tea.
China tea, or Chinese tea, is celebrated for its delicate flavor and rich history. From the traditional tea ceremony in Japan, which emphasizes the beauty of nature and simplicity, to the heart of British life where tea is a symbol of hospitality, tea has become an integral part of various cultures.
The tea industry continues to thrive, with the Camellia sinensis plant being cultivated in many parts of the world. Whether you prefer the ritualistic elegance of a tea ceremony or the convenience of a tea bag, choosing high-quality tea leaves is essential for a truly satisfying tea experience.
In conclusion, tea has a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries and continents. From its exotic beginnings in China to its everyday life in Britain, tea has played a significant role in shaping cultures and societies around the world. The tea trade has been an important part of global commerce, with tea being traded along ancient trade routes and consumed in many countries. Today, tea is an integral part of modern tea drinking, with tea bags and brewed tea being popular ways to enjoy this beloved beverage. Whether you prefer green tea, black tea, or herbal tea, there’s a type of tea out there for everyone.
The spread of tea culture
Tea is consumed at elevated social events, such as tea parties.Tea ceremonies have arisen in different cultures, like the Chinese and Japanese traditions.In the UK, 63% of people drink tea daily, and it is customary to offer tea to guests soon after their arrival.In Ireland, tea is consumed with milk or sugar and brewed longer for a stronger taste.
Most tea consumed outside East Asia is produced on large plantations in India and Sri Lanka.
India is the world’s largest tea-drinking nation, with 750 grams of tea consumed per person per year.
Turkey is the world’s greatest per capita consumer of tea, with 2.5 kilograms consumed per person per year.
The spread of tea culture has also brought about the collision and integration of different cultures. When people drink tea, they share not only the aroma of tea, but also each other's stories and thoughts. As a global language, tea has become a bridge for people from different backgrounds to understand and communicate with each other. It is this cross-cultural communication that has allowed tea culture to take root all over the world and show its infinite charm.
I and my friend are all tea culture disseminators, and everyone can be one of them.
After learning about the history and culture of tea, June Webb published a book, "Chaozhou Tea Trees" in which he mentioned Fenghuang（Phoenix） Dancong tea "every sip of tea makes people feel as if they have entered a quiet tea garden, with a fresh aroma and endless aftertaste". This book is not only a book about tea, but also a disseminator of Chinese tea culture. Through his words, tea is not only a taste enjoyment, but also a bridge for cultural exchange.
Fenghuang (Phoenix) Dancong Tea
Fenghuang（Phoenix） Dancong tea is indeed a very unique chinese tea with strong local characteristics.It comes from Fenghuang Mountain in Chaozhou, Guangdong Province, China, and is famous for its unique aroma and taste.Fenghaung(Phoenix) Dancong tea has a variety of flavor types such as "floral fragrance", "fruity fragrance" or "honey fragrance", and these flavor changes are closely related to the origin, variety and production process.
As a tea garden dedicated to providing high-quality single-bush tea, we always adhere to the traditional tea-making process, plant tea trees and growing tea to select good tea leaves, and strive to convey the unique charm of Phoenix Mountain in every piece of tea.
If you also want to experience the beauty of this tea in person, please visit our Duofu Tea to buy it and bring this culture from China home to taste.
