Bean Tales: The Journey of Tea

Tea is one of the most profound drinks of every culture, unexpectedly it has its roots in China. As one of the world’s most consumed beverages, tea owes much of its global popularity to the Silk Road trade networks established by China. Through maritime routes and diplomatic exchanges, China not only exported tea but also its traditions and methods of preparation, leaving an mark on the world's culture.

Origins of Tea in China

Tea’s origins trace back thousands of years to ancient China. According to legend, the discovery of tea occurred around 2737 BCE when Emperor Shen Nong accidentally tasted water infused with tea leaves while resting beneath a wild tea tree. Recognising its pleasant aroma and taste, tea quickly became an integral part of Chinese life.

During the Tang dynasty (618–907 CE), tea transitioned from a medicinal herb to a popular beverage and cultural symbol. By the Song dynasty (960–1279 CE), the production, preparation, and consumption of tea had evolved into an art form, laying the groundwork for its role as a prised export.

Tea on the Silk Road

The Silk Road was central to the dissemination of tea. Caravans loaded with tea travelled westward from China, crossing the vast deserts of Central Asia and reaching Persia, the Middle East, and eventually Europe. This trade route facilitated not only the exchange of goods but also the spread of cultural practices, including tea ceremonies and brewing techniques.

By the Tang dynasty, tea was already being exchanged for horses and other commodities with Tibet and nomadic tribes. This trade grew extensively, and tea bricks became a form of currency in some regions, valued for their lightweight, compact nature and long shelf life. Tea's introduced entire rituals and traditions, such as the Japanese tea ceremony, which evolved from practise learned from Chinese monks. 

Maritime Tea Trade

As maritime trade expanded during the Ming (1368–1644 CE) and Qing (1644–1911 CE) dynasties, tea became a critical export via sea routes. Chinese ports like Guangzhou became bustling centres for shipping tea to Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East. From there, tea eventually reached Europe in the early 17th century through Dutch and Portuguese traders.

One notable recipient of Chinese tea was Britain, which developed an insatiable demand for the beverage during the 18th and 19th centuries. This demand reshaped global trade dynamics, driving the East India Company to establish direct trade with China. In return for tea, the British traded silver and, controversially, opium. From which Britain developed their own team ceremonies like afternoon. The beloved drink is now a staple in many countries around the world acting as a sign of hospitality and respect.

The Evolution of Tea

Surprisingly, tea did not start being consumed in the convenient tea bags until the early 20th century. The invention of tea bags is credited to Thomas Sullivan, a tea merchant from New York, who in 1908 started sending small samples of tea to his customers in silk bags.

But before that, silk was the most traded commodity among the Silk Road trade routes so tea leaves were often brewed in silk. Over time, silk was replaced with gauze, and later more practical filter paper were used. By the 1920s and 1930s, tea bags were mass-produced and became a standard way to brew tea, especially in the United States and later worldwide.

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