Fascinating Journeys – The Early History of Tea

By Darlene Freiberg

If the life and history of the humble tea leaf were ever put to the big screen, it would have all the makings of a block buster hit. Adventure, intrigue, fortunes made and lost, revolution, war, and massive social change are just a few of the major marks of tea’s tumultuous journey and history.

Although no one knows for certain, legend has it that emperor, scholar, and herbalist, Shen Nung discovered tea’s refreshing, healthful properties when a few leaves fell into a kettle of water he was boiling. The date given is 2737 B.C.

Recognized immediately for its medicinal qualities, the Chinese used tea as a digestive aid and topical ointment to soothe skin problems, and relieve rheumatism.

Tea continued to become more popular through the Han Dynasty (A.D. 206-220), and by the end of the third century A.D., had become China’s national drink.

A.D. 332 the first record of tea manufacturing was officially recorded by Zhang Yi, giving a detailed description of how plants were pruned and plucked, and how the leaves were processed.

The fourth and fifth centuries saw many new tea plantations grow along the Yangtze River Valley, and tea was now considered to be a pleasurable drink as well as a medicinal tonic.

The Tang Dynasty (A.D. 618-906) saw a new set of tea etiquette evolve. This strict set of rules created a new role in society for “Tea Masters” who worked for the emperor and wealthy mandarins.

Known today as the patron saint of tea, LuYu wrote his Cha Chang (Classic of Tea), during the eighth century A.D.. LuYu learned how to correctly brew tea from his adoptive father, a Buddhist monk, and was China’s first real tea specialist.

He worked for 20 years to write Cha Chang, and the work became essential reading for everyone from tea farmers and researchers, to the Chinese consumer.

In Cha Chang, LuYu described the tea plant, and methods of cultivation, how different teas were manufactured, and even taught readers what type of water to use for brewing, and tea’s health benefits, making it in his eyes the perfect beverage. He also examined other points, such as the culture and rituals of tea-drinking.

During the Song Dynasty (A.D. 960-1279) Chinese social life centered around the Chinese Tea House. Think of it as our social club of today. This was where family and friends gathered to play cards, chess, or just relax and talk. It also provided a new venue for merchants and businessmen to do business and make deals.

The Chinese Tea House was also multi-faceted, as it provided a backdrop for professional actors, poets, jugglers, and storytellers who entertained there for the enjoyment of the people.

By now the Chinese were trading their tea to Tibet and the Arab lands to the west, Turks, tribes, and groups living in the Himalayas, and along the Silk Road trading route, linking India to Macedonia.

It the sixteenth century China began trade with Europe, but the long sea voyages often took too long and the tea was often spoiled, forcing the Chinese producers to find better options for manufacturing, packaging, and transportation.

Up to this point in tea’s history, all Chinese teas were green. Under the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) tea was sold as loose leaf rather than being formed into dried compressed cakes as was previously the fashion. But the loose tea spoiled more easily before reaching its destination – the customer.

Always conscious of profits, the Chinese producers turned to a new method of manufacture, and devised black teas. By allowing the leaves to oxidize naturally, they dried to a dark coppery color. These new black teas lasted much longer and travelled better than the more delicate green teas had.

The Chinese kept to their practice of drinking green teas, but the new black teas found a growing market with European trading companies importing an ever increasing supply to their home ports.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darlene Freiberg is a freelance copywriter, author, and web publisher, with an avid interest in everything TEA. Come uncover and explore the many amazing facts about tea by visiting http://www.theteadetective.com

Learn more about the six main types of tea, their features, and manufacturing process by visiting: http://www.theteadetective.com/SixMainTeaTypes.html