Tea History

5000 years ago

The legendary person Shennong, the father of Chinese agriculture and medicine, was boiling water when some leaves from a wild tree fell into the boiling water and added enjoyable flavor to it.

3rd century

Tea was originally used for its medicinal values to help with digestion. Then starting in the 3rd century, it gradually became a popular daily beverage in Chinese people’s everyday lives for pleasure and refreshment.

8th century

In the 8th century, a writer and tea master named 陆羽 Lù Yǔ (Lu Yu) published “The Classic Art of Tea” to introduce the proper ways of brewing, steeping, and serving tea. This was the origin of the Chinese tea culture.

17th century

All Chinese tea was green tea until the mid-17th century when black tea came into being, with a special preserving method so the tea flavor would last for long journeys when exported to other countries. Through the years, Chinese tea has developed into six major types: green tea, black tea, oolong tea, white tea, yellow tea, and dark tea.

Modern time

Modern Chinese tea has developed many new variations such as rose petal tea, fruit tea, organic tea, and boba milk tea, etc. Such variations reflect the Chinese culture and its evolution into the fast-paced modern ages.

Tea etiquette and Ceremonies

Loose-Leaf Tea:

Chinese tea is mostly loose-leaf tea and is brewed with the leaves mixed in the water. When served, the leaves are sometimes filtered, but they are sometimes left in the water during drinking. In the Western world, teabags are more common, and teabags are usually taken out after the tea is brewed.

Serving Tea:

Tea is usually served by the host to his or her guest(s). When serving the tea, the host should:

  1. Show the tea to the guests and allow everyone to smell it.

  2. Warm the teapot by filling it with hot water and then pour it out.

  3. Add tea and water to the teapot.

  4. Then invite guests to drink the tea.

Drinking Tea:

When the host serves the tea, the guest should receive the tea with both hands, smell the aroma of the tea, and then drink. Do not cross your legs when drinking the tea.

Chinese Wedding Tea Ceremony:

During weddings in China, there will be a Chinese tea ceremony when the newlyweds will offer tea to their in-laws, and call them mom and dad as a way to indicate they are joining the family. The in-laws will then offer a red packet to their son/daughter-in-law to show acceptance.

Q: What written work marks the origin of the Chinese tea culture

A: “The Classic Art of Tea” by 陆羽* Lù Yǔ (Lu Yu)*

Q: What are the characteristics of black tea?

A: It’s preserved in a special way to keep the tea flavor for long journeys of exporting.

Q: What are the six types of Chinese tea?

A: Green tea, black tea, oolong tea, white tea, yellow tea, and dark tea

Q: What are the etiquettes to follow when tea is served to us as guests?

A: We should receive the tea with both hands, smell the aroma of the tea, and then drink it. We shouldn’t cross legs when drinking tea.