Back In History Understanding The Orgin of Tea “Cha”
Few people know that tea is the most dominant drink in human history…
Throughout human history, tea has existed very early and quickly became the most influential and powerful drink on the planet... and there was even a time when it was likened to "tea is the drink that makes the whole world crazy".
The "fairy" origin of tea
Regarding history or biology, experts agree that tea originated in the Asian region, mainly in Southwest China and North. No one knows exactly when people started using tea, but it is estimated to have been during the Shang Dynasty (1600 BC- 1046 BC).
According to ancient Chinese documents, tea was discovered by Shennong, one of the Three Sovereigns of Chinese culture. Legend has it that Shennong taught people how to farm and was very good at medicine. Wherever he went, he searched for and tasted wild herbs to distinguish which were medicinal and poisonous. In 2737 BC, Shennong first tasted burnt tea leaves blown by hot wind and falling into his cauldron of boiling water. From then on, he discovered the medicinal effects of tea, like an amazing medicine able to detoxify 70 other herbs.
Due to the influence of this legend, the ancient Chinese people initially used tea only for medicinal purposes. Throughout the Western Zhou Dynasty (1122 BC - 249 BC), Qin Dynasty (221 BC - 206 BC), Han Dynasty (202 BC - 220), tea was only used by the royal and aristocratic classes and was always considered a traditional religious symbol
The spread of "power" of tea ‘cha’ in Asia...
By the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907), tea became popular and was used by all classes of Chinese people. At that time, monks of the Japanese Zen sect who went to China to practice Buddhism brought tea back to their homeland.
From then on, tea ‘cha’ developed strongly in the land of cherry blossoms, relevant to forming the art of the tea ceremony that was famous throughout the world.
On the other hand, Chinese tea, mainly originating from Yunnan, was also allowed by the imperial court to be traded with the people of Tibet. Since the Song Dynasty (960 - 1279), tea was transported to Tibet, where Zen masters had a great demand for tea, via the "Tea-Horse Ancient Road" of more than 4,000km.
In return, the Song Dynasty would receive from the Tibetans first-class war horses to serve in the war on the plains. Tea was so important that the imperial court could use it to put pressure on the Tibetan people. Historical records show that on average, more than 15 million kg of tea from Yunnan were exchanged for up to 20,000 war horses each year.
... reaching out to "dominate" Europe ...
The 16th century marked a turning point in the path of tea's expansion around the world. European travelers returning from China brought back tea ‘cha’ plants, jasmine flowers, and mallows to Portugal for trial planting.
Jasmine tea immediately became a favorite drink of the aristocracy here. In 1660, Princess Catherine de Braganza became Queen of England when she married King Charles II. From then on, tea became popular among the British royal family, and afternoon tea parties became an indispensable part of royal life.
Two centuries later, tea became extremely popular everywhere following the development of the British Empire. Tea followed British merchants to the former colonies of this country, such as America, India, etc.
... and made the whole world "crazy" with its amazing ability to transform
To date, tea ‘cha’ is the most popular and influential drink worldwide. The annual tea consumption is equal to the total consumption of coffee, chocolate, soft drinks, and wine combined.
However, this is not luck, although entirely due to the outstanding natural properties of this drink.
Tea contains a large number of biological chemicals, such as flavonoids, amino acids, and vitamins, which have anti-cancer effects. In particular, caffeine in tea will help people stay awake if drunk early in the morning.
Tea also promotes metabolism and is included in many famous diet menus. In addition, catechins in green tea can prevent obesity, liver cancer, or colon cancer.
Another reason is that in each place, tea is prepared in different ways to suit the local culture. Therefore, tea in each place is different, carrying the cultural quintessence of various ethnic groups.
For example, Asians like China and Vietnam like to drink green tea, while Westerners prefer black tea, and Middle Easterners like tea ‘cha’ mixed with pistachios, almonds, cardamom, cinnamon, etc.
As the pace of social life becomes faster and faster, many of us no longer have enough time to make a pot of tea together. Instead, we turn to convenient tea bags as a new solution in modern trends.
Still retaining the essence of nature, convenience, and diversity, tea bags have conquered even the most demanding customers and are one of the top choices of tea lovers.
Quan Tea Dining
Tea Pairing - Vegetarian Cuisine
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