Tea is a popular beverage all over the world. It can be found in China, India, North America, and Britain. However, not all countries have tea plants. There are several regions where tea originated, including Southwest China and Sri Lanka.
Southwest China
It is widely believed that the tea plant originated in Southwest China. Tea has long been associated with Chinese culture, as it is a vital part of Chinese life. Initially, tea was consumed as a medicinal tonic. However, it later became a regular drink.
There is an abundance of tea-growing terrain in Southwest China. These mountains, mainly in the north and south sub-tropics, have high-quality climates and abundant rainfall. During summer, temperatures seldom drop into single figures.
In addition, southwest China has good rainfall year-round. The area is also home to many ancient tea trees. Scientists have discovered tea trees in Menghai County that are over 1000 years old.
India
India is the largest producer of tea in the world. The nation is home to 900,000 tonnes of tea per year. It is a major supplier of strong black teas.
In 1823, the first shipment of Indian tea arrived in England. The first tea store opened on Oxford Street. After World War I, Indian vendors began selling tea at historic railway stations.
India’s tea industry grew rapidly in the early 1850s. By 1863, India had established 78 plantations. This marked the beginning of a global market for tea.
Tea has long been a popular drink in India. Historically, the beverage has been used for medicinal purposes. Moreover, tea was also a popular culinary ingredient.
Sri Lanka
Ceylon tea is a brand that has a rich history. It originated in Sri Lanka, a small island country in the Indian Ocean. In 1824, British colonizers brought tea plants from China to the island.
The tea industry became a major crop in Sri Lanka in the early 1870s. By 1875, the first shipment of tea was sent to the UK for auction. Since then, the Ceylon brand has become synonymous with the finest tea in the world.
Sri Lankan tea is consumed in most households. It is often served in tea bars and eateries across the world. Many Sri Lankans consider tea a vital part of their lives.
Turkey
Turkish tea is one of the most popular drinks in the world. It is a hot beverage made from black tea and sugar. Aside from being a hot beverage, tea is an important part of Turkish culture.
Although the first recorded evidence of tea in Turkey dates back to the 16th century, it was not until the late 1870s that tea was cultivated in modern-day Turkey. The Turks discovered they could develop tea on their land, which led to a successful business.
Tea has been an integral part of Turkey’s life since the Silk Road. Today, it is used for several purposes. One of these is to welcome strangers. Another purpose is to help close a deal.
Britain
In the late eighteenth century, a new beverage started to dominate the social scene in Britain. That drink was tea. And it became the nation’s most popular drink.
Tea is a hot drink, usually served with milk, lemon, sugar, or another flavoring. Its popularity in Britain reflects the development of the country since the seventeenth century.
When it first arrived in England, it was a luxury product that was only enjoyed by the rich. But as time passed, it became a commonplace, affordable drink for all.
By the end of the eighteenth century, tea was sold at many coffee houses in London. Tea gardens also started to appear in every corner of Britain.
North America
Tea has a long and varied history in North America. Indigenous people have been brewing tea from a variety of plants for thousands of years.
The first Europeans brought tea to North America in the 1640s. Dutch, English, French, and Dutch settlers began bringing tea to the colonies. They would brew it in a pot or teacup.
In the 17th century, tea was a popular drink in Europe, but it was a luxury drink for the rich. Until the mid-17th century, all Chinese tea was green. Eventually, black tea became more popular as it was more durable for export.
In the early 18th century, William Aiton was appointed botanist to the British Royal family. He discovered a tea plant, Ilex vomitoria, that was a naturally sweet alternative to black tea.