Simple History Of Black Tea
The history of black tea could rightly start with the debate of what could be the ancient beverage. Tea
Who had the idea of putting the leaves of Camilla sinensis into hot water to make a brew is better left unanswered? Perhaps it could have been an accident or some experiment.
History of Vedas of India, the most ancient literature of world and Ayurveda textbooks along with ancient Chinese texts are replete with the use of other herbs as hot infusion or decoction. Historians suggest the great likelihood of the start of use of black tea in China almost over 5000 years ago.
The fondness of black tea spread rapidly because of its good taste and health benefits. The Ch’a Ching, written by Chinese ex-monk Lu Yu, has the mention of various popular methods of preparation of tea of 800 A.D. Gradually Buddhist monks, particularly Yeisei, spread the word about tea in Japan and it soon had royal favor.
Seventeenth century witnessed the black tea conquering the globe. The Portuguese and other western voyager came in contact with Oriental shores. They delighted with this all new beverage unheard of in their native countries. When they returned home in early 17th century, their treasures included the precious tea leaves. They multiplied their fortune rapidly with the then-expensive novelty.
During mid 17th century, Britain finally joined and imported tea from China and the East Indies. As is obvious now, it became so popular that afternoon tea is now strongly associated with that Britain.
With the merger of both the major importers of tea, John Company and the East India Company, tea reached every nook of the globe with their monopoly. By the end of the 17th century tea imports were 40,000 pounds.
Gradually with increasing popularity, the novelty had become a commodity. Over 240,000 pounds were imported into England in 1708 and the leaves were being sold in common food shops in Holland and France. Most of Europe doesn’t have the right climate to grow its own tea. The drink that had been imported and made popular by royalty was now consumed by nearly everyone.
At the same time, tea was becoming popular in other nations around the world. The Russian Tsar Alexis received several chests as a gift in the early 17th century. By the end of it the Russians were engaging in regular trade with China across their common border. The price of tea had been very high due to long travel of thousand of miles. Despite all odds, the practice spread throughout society and tea could be found in every samovar.
The United States had a little ‘ceremony’ called the Boston Tea Party. As an act of protest against the heavy-handed British government, Americans protested by dumping large quantities of the good into the Boston harbor. In reaction, the British government closed the port and troops occupied the city. The resulting revolution changed the history of world as we all know.
Be a part of history and delight yourself with fine cup of tea today!
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