The Tea Detective
Uncovering and Exploring the Facts About Tea
Uncovering and Exploring the Facts About Tea
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| The Early History of Tea |
| No one would ever have guessed that when emperor and scholar, Shen Nung discovered the humble tea leaf in 2737 AD that it would go on to have all the elements of a blockbuster hit movie complete with adventure and intrigue, riches made and lost, war, revolution, power, fame, and massive social change, as it made its way around the world. |
| No one knows for certain if the date given for Shen Nung's discovery of tea in 2737 AD, when a leaf, carried on the wind, landed in his pot of boiling water is accurate, but it is the accepted legend. From the time of its discovery the Chinese immedi- ately recognized the medicinal value of tea, using it for everything from a digestive aid, to help relieve rheumatism, to a topical ointment to help soothe skin problems. Up until the Han Dynasty (AD 206-220) it is believ- ed that wild tea trees were cut down and their leaves stripped from the branches to be brewed. It was during this period that commercial plantations were established to meet the ever growing demand for the raw tea leaves. |
| High quality crops and improved manufacturing methods developed during this time, ensured a thriving tea trade throughout China, helping to earn massive fortunes for the tea traders. By the end of the third century tea was established as China's national drink. In AD 332, Zhang Yi wrote the first detailed account of manufacture, detailing how the plants were laid out, pruned and plucked, and the method of processing. During the fourth and fifth centuries tea was seen in a new light. No longer was it just drunk as a medicinal tonic, but was now seen as a pleasurable drink. It was also a time of growth as many new plantations were added along the Yangtze River Valley. The Tang Dynasty saw strict new rules of tea etiquette evolve, leading to the creation of a new professional class called "Tea Masters," who filled an important role in society, working for the emperor and wealthy mandarins. It was during the eighth century that Lu Yu, China's first real specialist on tea wrote Cha Chang (Classic of Tea). Known today as the "patron saint of tea," Lu Yu learned the correct method of brewing tea from his adoptive father who was a Buddhist monk and China's first real tea specialist. Lu Yu worked for 20 years to write Cha Chang, and his work became essential reading for every- one from tea farmers and researchers, to Chinese consumers. In Cha Chang, Lu Yu wrote about methods of cultivation, describing the tea plant and how differ- ent teas were manufactured. He even taught readers what type of water to use for brewing and about tea's health benefits. He also covered other areas such as the culture and rituals of tea drinking. During the Song Dynasty (AD 960-1279) the Chinese Tea House became the center of Chinese social life. Think of it as the country club or coffee house of today. It was a place where family and friends gathered to play cards or chess, or just relax and talk. The Chinese Tea House also provided a new venue for the merchants and businessmen to do business and make deals. It was also used as a backdrop for professional actors, jugglers, poets, and storytellers who often entertained there for the enjoyment of the people. By this time the Chinese had begun trading tea to Tibet and Arab lands to the west, including Turks, tribes, and groups living in the Himalayans and along the Silk Road trading route which linked India to Macedonia. In the 16th century China began trade with Europe. Unfortunately, during the long sea voyages much of the tea spoiled, forcing Chinese manufacturers to come up with new ideas for processing, packaging, and transportation of the tea. All Chinese teas were green up to this point in history. Under the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) tea was being sold as loose leaf, instead of the dried, compressed tea cakes they had been previously. But the new loose leaf tea spoiled easier, well before reaching its final destination - the customer. The profit conscious Chinese producers tried a new production method, devising black teas. The naturally oxidized tea leaves turned a dark, rich, coppery color and lasted much longer and travelled better than the more delicate green teas had. The Chinese continued their practice of drinking green teas, but happily provided new black teas to the ever growing European trading companies, exporting a continual supply to their home ports. Enjoy. |
| Copyright 2011 www.theteadetective.com All rights reserved. No reproductions of any kind allowed without permission. |
| For a great selection of quality teas, gifts, and accessories, visit: The Tea Detective's Gift of Tea Store |
| For more information or to learn more about tea, visit our other pages: Which teas come from China? All six types of tea are grown in China. Take a close-up look at individual teas, their qualities, growing season, and which are available and can be found online and as exports. Herbal teas-bringing together tea and herbs, two of nature's powerhouses. Tea and herbs together form a powerful healing and nutritional element to your everyday diet. Learn about herbal teas and why they are so beneficial to your health. (Try Silver Leaf Tea's Moroccan Mint tea). Teas of the world-learn which countries are producing tea today. Over fifty countries produce tea today. Learn which countries are in the top ten for tea production and export, the types of tea they make, and which teas from new up-and-coming countries you can expect to see in your cup in the near future. Which three teas is India most famous for? Learn about India and its teas, and which three teas it is most famous for, as well as the growing season, climate, and terrain. (Hint; visit Silver Leaf Tea for top quality Darjeeling First Flush Tea from Castleton Estate. This top quality tea has a bold, rich flavor, light and sweet, with a muskatel bouquet). The teas of Japan-where age old tradition meets new age demand. Follow the history of tea drinking in Japan beginning around the eighth century Nara period to today and learn about the bright, shiny, state-of-the-art factories that turn out some of the world's finest teas. (Try Silver Leaf Tea's Japanese Rose Sencha, Genmaicha, and Kukicha teas). Yixing teapots-beauty meets function. Yixing teapots are beautiful yet functional, and with proper care can last a lifetime. Get tips on buying either decorative or functional teapots and price ranges for each category. Also learn how to care for and season your new Yixing teapot. What is the Ethical Tea Partnership (ETP) and how does it differ from Fair Trade? Learn what the Ethical Tea Partnership or ETP is, and its function in regard to manufacturing tea, as well as its relationship to Fair Trade, and how it differs. Is each type of tea brewed differently? How long should tea be steeped? Brew a perfect cup of tea by paying attention to the details. Learn the proper water temperature for each type of tea, along with steeping times and which teas can be infused more than once. Also learn how to visually gauge water temps using an old Chinese method. |
Receive A Guide To Tea, an 88-page book on the history and enjoyment of tea free with your first Adagio Teas order of $19 or more.
An easy-to-use ingenuiTEA teapot, whose ingenious design has been featured in The New York Times, Time Magazine and HGTV.
Gifts for lovers of tea with free wrapping of all items.