CoffeeForums Coffee Facts

The origin of tea has been clearly traced to revolve around china. The Chinese, rumored to have the oldest civilization have in their antiques, ancient writings with evidence showing tea consumption as part of their traditions. Different mythologies exist but the first tea drink has its first sightings in China. In China, records that date to almost 5000 years give an account on how the first tea drink was made. It is believed that some leaves of the tea tree coincidentally dropped into hot water meant for drinking. Well, the owner drank it as it were, out of curiosity. The baffling taste that was experienced resulted in the stimulating drink and introduction of nurturing tea trees for tea production. Since then, the drink spread quickly through the nation; and with time, the neighboring countries adopted the activity. Its use became widespread soon in England, Germany and extended further with colonization of the American and African continents. Many countries have managed to trace the origins of their first activities related to tea and all point to this single source -China.

The tea leaf from China became a household name throughout Europe in the making of hot beverages and significantly in ceremonies and festivities. It became a renowned drink. It is in this habit that different cultures were introduced in the processing of tea including the use of tea sets and utensils. Meanwhile, the original tea leaf china had made became more refined and in their undertakings other discoveries were made on its abilities. In the Chinese history, it has been unearthed that tea was used for medicinal practices. This archaic practice is still present in the current society and only serves to symbolize the importance of tea.

Today, tea drinks in China are generally consumed as a tradition. Almost all the families have the know-how on the making of tea. Though the country is quite populated, efforts have been made to supplement the local produce with imports. The olden tradition that tea is not to be taken with meals has been regularly observed but slowly diminishing in its custom. The history of tea leaf in China shows that the activity was an undertaking of the wealthy but now tea is relatively inexpensive. The changes and popularization of tea in the 17th century have seen a significant step to ensure the availability of tea to match demand of its consumption.