A Historical Overview of Tea: Its Origin, Spread and Evolution in Different Regions
A Comprehensive Study of the Primary and
Secondary Keywords - Tea, Hot, Cold, Indian, Japanese, Shen Nung, Scientist,
Daruma, Boiling, Buddhist, French, Dutch, European, Marquise, and Ceylon
Introduction
Tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages globally, available in a variety of flavors and temperatures - hot or cold, black or green, herbal or lemon.
This article aims to present a historical overview of tea's origin, spread, and evolution across different regions.
The
primary keywords of the study are tea, while the secondary keywords include
Indian, Japanese, Shen Nung, scientist, Daruma, boiling, Buddhist, French,
Dutch, European, Marquise, and Ceylon.
The Origin of Tea
The discovery of tea dates back to 2700 BC, when the Chinese emperor and scientist Shen Nung discovered it accidentally.
As per the Indian and Japanese legend, tea was discovered by a Buddhist missionary monk, Daruma, when he cut off his eyelids and threw them on the ground after being disappointed in himself for not completing his nine-year meditation.
The monkeys were the
first to be trained to pick tea leaves. The tea plant's discovery led to the
development of different processes of brewing, preparing, and drinking tea over
time.
Tea's Spread Across Different Regions
Tea slowly gained popularity among the French and Dutch, but due to its high cost, it remained a drink for the wealthy. In the 1700s, tea was first sold in a fashionable coffee house by Thomas in Europe.
John Dorniman was the first to sell tea in nett-weight packets. The first European to write about tea was father Jasper De Cruz, 1560, who tasted the drink as a missionary.
The duchess of Bedford originated the custom of
afternoon tea, but the credit for turning it into a pastime should be given to
Queen Victoria.
Tea was initially grown in China and exported to
Europe and other parts of the world. China emerged as the trader of tea. Due to
the steep rise in demand and to keep a check on the balance of trade, Europeans
started looking for other places where tea could be grown, giving birth to the
tea fields of India. Later, Europe imported tea from India, followed by Ceylon.
Evolution of Tea
The evolution of tea over time has resulted in different methods of brewing and preparing the beverage. Marquise de Seven was the first to mention the addition of milk to tea, giving the drink a new dimension.
The practice of tipping was developed in the tea gardens of England,
where a small wooden locked box labeled tips (to insure prompt service) was
kept for its customers.
Conclusion
Tea's rich history enhances our general knowledge, highlighting its origin, spread, and evolution across different regions.
From its accidental discovery by a Chinese emperor and scientist to the establishment of tea fields in India, tea has evolved significantly.
The
beverage's different flavors and temperatures have also developed over time,
making it a popular and versatile drink worldwide.
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