According to Chinese legend, tea was discovered over 5,000 years ago by Chinese Emperor Chen- Nung. His drinking water was always boiled, as he felt that this would prevent him from contracting diseases that were common at that time. One day, while his water was being boiled over a fire made with branches from a camellia bush, a few leaves from the branches were carried into the pot by a breeze.

The emperor noticed a wonderful aroma coming from the boiling pot. He drank it, and was amazed by the delicious brew. Although the Chinese had used the camellia leaves in medicines and in vegetable relishes, they had not previously considered using the leaves in this manner. Word of the emperor’s discovery soon spread throughout China. Tea became recognized for its stimulating yet relaxing and healthful qualities and soon became part of Chinese culture.

Buddhist monks introduced tea to Japan, Korea, India and other Asian countries during their travels. When trade with the West opened, tea was introduced to continental Europe where its popularity grew. The people of England, however, were not easily impressed. It was very expensive, and had been advertised as a medicinal brew. It was not until King Charles, who had a passion for tea, that its popularity grew in England.

When tea was introduced to the American colonies, the colonists did not know what to do with it. Thinking that tea was a leaf vegetable, they boiled the leaves in water, threw out the water, and ate the leaves! But, they soon learned the proper way to prepare and drink tea, and its popularity in the American colonies grew.

Because of the popularity of tea in Europe and the American colonies, the English government realized that they could raise a large amount of money by levying a tax on tea. In what we know as the Boston Tea Party, American colonists dumped tea overboard cargo ships in protest. From Parliament to the streets, protests raged until the tax was rescinded.

Many traditions have developed around tea. In Japan, the tea ceremony continues to be an important part of the Japanese culture. The tea ceremony is conducted to help the spirit find peace. For centuries, the tradition of the tea ceremony has been passed down from one generation to the next.

The afternoon tea, or low tea, was “invented” by Anna Maria, one of Queen Victoria’s ladies in waiting. About 5:00 each day, she experienced a 'sinking feeling'. One day, she instructed the servants to bring tea and little cakes to her boudoir. She so enjoyed this, that she repeated it every afternoon from then on, inviting others to join her for refreshments and socializing.

The queen adopted the idea, and it became an elaborate daily event. It soon became a social event as much as a meal among royalty and the successful middle and upper- middle-class. The elegant afternoon snack was served in the drawing room on a low side table, with silver and china, and linen and laces. Although some think of this as “high tea” it is not. It is afternoon tea or low tea (for the low table on which the food was served).

High tea is a hearty meal, with meat dishes or savories, bread, cheese, salads, and desserts. It was started during the Industrial Revolution. After a hard day of work, with only a simple breakfast and a light lunch, this supper was enjoyed by the working class and gave them the nourishment they needed. All of the food was set on a high kitchen or dining room table, which is the reason that it is called high tea.

During the eighteenth century, owning a porcelain teacup was a sign of high social standing. Those who owned a porcelain cup carried them to parties in specially padded cases.

Over the years, tea has become much more than a simple cup of brew. Earl Grey tea was the first flavored tea to be introduced, made with black tea and oil of Bergamot, an Italian citrus fruit. That led to a wide-range of flavors being used to flavor teas, which are very popular around the world. Later, tea bags and iced tea were invented in the United States. Then came instant and decaffeinated teas. Recently, ready-to-drink teas have become popular, as have Chai and tisanes (which are not true teas – see Types of Tea).

Today, the popularity of tea continues to grow. Tea is the second most consumed beverage on earth, next to water. Drinking tea is part of most every culture, with a legacy and reputation for providing health, peacefulness and well-being.