Cloudy Valley, Formosa tea

Tea is a beverage with a long and storied history, originating in China.

• Lu Yu’s “Classic of Tea": “The use of tea as a drink began with Shen Nong."
• Shen Nong’s Herbal Classic: “Shen Nong tasted hundreds of herbs. In one day, he encountered 72 poisons and was relieved by tea."
• Records of Chinese Customs: “From the early to mid-Zhou dynasty, beverages included wine, sweet fermented drinks, and various others. Among these, tea was the most notable. Tea was first discovered during the Shang-Zhou period and widely used by Zhou people."

From these records, it is evident that the origin of tea traces back to Shen Nong. However, during the Shang and Zhou dynasties, tea was primarily used as medicine. It wasn’t until the Zhou dynasty that tea began to be consumed as a beverage, albeit in a rather crude form.

In the Tang (618–907 AD) and Song (960–1279 AD) dynasties, tea culture and etiquette gradually developed, leading to the emergence of tea utensils.

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Spread of Tea Culture

Tea culture eventually spread to other countries, especially in Asia, including Japan, Korea, and India:

1. Japan: Tea ceremony (chanoyu) evolved into a significant cultural tradition, creating a distinct tea culture.
2. India: Tea became a national beverage, leading to the cultivation of renowned varieties such as Assam and Darjeeling black teas.

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Global Expansion

The influence of tea expanded globally, making it one of the world’s most popular beverages. Each region and culture developed its unique tea traditions and customs, further enriching the global appreciation of tea.