The Origins of TEA

TEA, as the most consumed drink in the world, has a very long history. The story of tea begins in China, back in 2737 BC, according to legend.

 

There was a Chinese emperor Shen Nung 神农, famous for its bravery in trying all kinds of plants and note down its benefits to the human body.

 

One day, he was sitting under a tree while his servant boiled drinking water. Some leaves fell from the tree and blew into the water. Shen Nung tried the unique, accidental infusion and feel amazed by the taste and benefits. The tree was a Camellia sinensis, and the resulting drink was what we now call tea.

 

He noted down in “Shennong’s Herbal Classic of Materia Medica 神农百草经” and stated that “tea taste bitter, drinking tea can promote thinking, improve spirit, less weigh and good for eyes. 茶味苦，饮之使人益思、少卧、轻身、明目。” Legend also said that Shen Nung once tasted 72 poisons a day and only be cured after drinking tea. “神农尝百草，日遇七十二毒得茶而解之。”

 

It is nearly impossible to know whether there is any truth in this story. But tea drinking became established in China many centuries before it had even been heard of in the west.