It’s impossible to say just how or exactly when the leaf of the Camellia Sinensis tea plant ended up in a cup of boiled water but it was definitely in BC times and we’re exceedingly glad it did. Tea is celebrated around the world under different monikers: Cha, Chai, Ocha, tsái, tè, thé, trà and the. No matter what you call it, tea is the universal imbibe that is sure to find its way into your life at one point or another. If you know a little something of its history we’re sure you’ll appreciate it even more.
Join us on a fascinating journey through the rich history of tea, exploring how this simple leaf transformed into one of the world’s most beloved beverages. From its ancient origins in China to its global spread, tea has played a pivotal role in shaping cultures, economies, and traditions. Whether you're a casual sipper or a devoted enthusiast, let's dive into the captivating story behind every cup you enjoy!
 2700 BC
Chinese Emperor Shen Nong first tasted tea by accident. Whilst in the Yunnan district and stopping to rest, a leaf falling into boiling water created a golden liquid, and Shen Nong, the brave soul, decided he would give it a taste. The Emperor declared it delicious and tea quickly became the national drink of China.
|
 600 AD
Tea was introduced into Japan by Buddhist priests returning from study in China. During the 8th and 9th centuries its use was widespread in courtly and monastic circles but did not become widely used in Japan until the 15th century.
|
 1560
Tea was first introduced to Europe by Portuguese missionary – Jesuit Father Jasper de Cruz. After the introduction of tea into Portugal, tea was shipped to Lisbon; and Dutch ships transported it to France, Holland and the Baltic countries.
|
 1610
Dutch traders start bringing tea into Europe where it was sold mainly through pharmacies as a therapeutic imbibe.
 1650
Peter Stuyvesant serving as the last Dutch Director-General of the colony of “New Netherland”, known today as New York, introduces tea to America.
|
 1657
Tea docks in England and is an immediate success. The British form the East India Trading Company building a fleet of ships and begin importing huge quantities of tea from China, making it accessible for wealthy and poor alike.
 1773
In protest against taxes levelled against tea, over 300 chests of the product were dumped into Boston harbour. This famous action became known as the Boston Tea Party and was a precursor to the American Revolutionary War and the American War of Independence.
 1839
The First Opium War, or First China War, kicked off because of a trade clash between Britain and China. By the early 1800s, British merchants were making big money off Chinese goods like tea, silk, and porcelain. But the problem was, China didn’t want British products in return—they only accepted silver. This left Britain’s silver reserves running low, which caused tension to build.
In the 1800s, British traders, including the East India Company, started smuggling Indian opium into China to fix their trade imbalance. They used the profits from selling opium to buy tea and other goods. By 1839, opium sales were covering the cost of all the tea Britain was importing from China.
 1848
In 1848, the British East India Company sent Robert Fortune on a covert mission deep into China's interior, a region off-limits to foreigners. His task? To steal the secrets of tea cultivation and production. Disguised as a local, the Scottish botanist ventured into the Wu Si Shan hills, pulling off one of the boldest acts of corporate espionage in history.
|
 TODAY
Grown and produced in more than 40 countries worldwide, tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world after water. T BAR bring you the 'World in a teacup' and are at the forefront of offering over 120 unique blends for you to enjoy.
|
|
|
