Tea, a fragrant elixir with a multitude of health benefits, is a cherished beverage that often gets overlooked in our fast-paced lives. At A Little Steeper, we’re on a mission to not only offer you a delightful cup of tea but also to rekindle the connection with this comforting brew that brings smiles to our faces. Join us as we embark on a journey to uncover the rich history of tea.
Now, let’s go back, back in time…
Tea’s origins can be traced back millennia to the sprawling regions of Southwest Asia, encompassing India, Myanmar, China, and Tibet. Initially used for its medicinal properties by diverse ethnic groups, tea’s role in aiding digestion is why many cultures still incorporate it into their meals. While allusions to tea can be found in Chinese literature dating back 5,000 years, its introduction remains shrouded in mystery. Ancient legends attribute its discovery to Emperor Shennong in 2737 BC, when a camellia blossom fell into his cup of hot water. However, most historians turn to the ancient Chinese dictionary, Erh Ya, from 350 BC for the earliest documented mention of tea. Following this, in the 3rd century AD, the Chinese physician Hua Tuo lauded tea for its medicinal properties during the Han Dynasty.
During the Tang Dynasty in China, tea evolved from a medicinal remedy to a recreational beverage, a transition well-documented in Lu Yu’s “The Classic of Tea.” Lu Yu, in his treatise, delineated the precise procedures for brewing, steeping, and serving tea. To him, tea represented harmony and the enigmatic interconnectedness of the universe. I wholeheartedly recommend acquiring a copy, as it makes for an engaging conversation starter for any tea enthusiast.
As tea drinking gained traction across Asia, so did its symbolism and cultural significance. Countless poems and texts extolled the virtues, pleasures, and transcendental qualities of tea. Emperors began bestowing tea as prestigious gifts, and teahouses emerged, akin to modern-day fast-food joints.
The introduction of tea to Europe remains somewhat unclear. Records mention duties on salt and tea as early as 879 AD. Some accounts attributed Marco Polo with recording the taxation details of a Chinese minister in 1285 AD, which included tea taxes.
In 1498, Vasco de Gama of Portugal forged a trade route to India, ultimately establishing routes into the heartland of China. By 1516, Portuguese traders set foot in China, becoming the first Europeans to do so. By 1543, they reached Tanegashima, Japan, and, fourteen years later, established a permanent presence in Macao in 1557. In 1569, a Portuguese missionary penned a missive to the King of Portugal, describing a bitter, red-hued medicinal drink called “Cha,” enjoyed by the affluent to honor their guests, marking the introduction of tea to Europe.
It wasn’t until the early 17th century that the Dutch East India Company, representing England and Holland, imported the first green tea leaves to Amsterdam, ushering in the influence of tea across Europe.
Coming up next in our series of The History of Tea… Tea-Ducation 101 – Part 2. East India Company and England
Don’t forget to check out our teas here!
