Tea Thematic Timeline

By: Aaron Hegde12/15/2010

A. History of Tea Tea was originally found in China. Tea was discovered when tea leaves accidently fell

into the boiling water of China’s second emperor Shen Nung in 2737 BC.

The emperor drank from his water

and he was surprised by its

taste and healing abilities. He found that tea can be

used as an antidote. The emperor

performed experiments

on himself to learn about

tea’s properties.

Where tea was found

Map of China

Tea was traded on a route called the Tea-Horse Road.

It stretched across the western frontier of China.

Early Tea Trade and Use

Tea was used a medical beverageTea represented status in European culturesTea leaves were used as a form of currency

(ex. coins)Tea was also a stimulus for technological

advances.

In 479 Turkish traders are bargaining for tea in the Mongolian border.

960-1280: People are making teacups crafted from porcelain and pottery because tea is rising in popularity.

1101-1125: Emperor Hui Tsung becomes obsessed with tea and there is a story in which he was so obsessed with tea that he didn’t notice the Mongols taking over his empire.

Tea houses start to form1206-1368: When the Mongols take over tea loses its popularity. its popularity.

Countries that participated in early tea trade

TurkeyJapanThe DutchEngland

Tea in Today’s World

China, India, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Turkey produce 80% of the world’s tea.

China and India are the worlds greatest consumers and producers of tea.

The world’s largest and second largest tea companies are Unilever and Tata Tea.

World Tea Production

Tea Price in the last 10 years in US cents / kg

B. Cultural InfluenceIn China tea was originally called

“Kia” and during the 6th century it changed into “Cha”

In the west Tea was called “Te” and still is the name in several countries.

Tea was mainly popular with the wealthy and because of its high price it was prevented from circulating within the common people.

A ceremony was created in Japan called Cha-no-yu, it means hot water tea. The ceremony celebrates aspects of everyday life.

The status of tea is elevated an art and almost a religion.

In Europe tea parties become popular among women.

In India tea is popularly known as “Chai”. There are plenty of road side tea stalls and even in remote places. Tea is always had hot, with milk and sugar. Tea is offered to visitors and guests. Tea is prepared with spices and also in different ways to give a custom /unique taste.

C. Tea Harvest to End Use

Tea’s economic activity gets it more than 3 billion dollars a year.

Tea is grown in more that 40 countries.

It is mostly produced in Asian countries like China and India.

Tea Fields

The best teas are grown in cooler climates and/or higher elevations.

Tea is plucked mostly by hand and is labor intensive. However, the plucking process has been modernized to increase productivity by using Tea plucking machines.

Tea plucking machine

Types of Tea

Tea leaves are processed before being packed and ready to use. The process involves oxidation or fermentation of the leaves before drying and storing the leaves.

1. Black Tea: the tea leaves are mature and allowed to oxidize which gives deep, rich flavor to the tea.

2. Green tea: tea leaves are not allowed to oxidize and quickly dried and stored.

3. Oolong Tea: is between the green tea and black tea, it is partially oxidized.

4. White tea: is picked at very young stage of the leaf buds, is least processed.

Some of the tea making apparatus.

Copper/ Brass Tea Boiler (popular in

India)

KettleTea filter

Automatic Tea Maker

Market

Tea is grown as a leaf then it is picked and boiled in water.

Today tea is mainly sold in tea bags which were introduced back in the 20th century

Thanks to tea bags normal people can have tea without requiring special cooking utensils

Also with the introduction of tea bags the price of tea has lowered.

Some popular tea brands in today’s market.

Some of the Uses & Medicinal Properties of Tea

1. Removes mental and physical tiredness and makes a person alert.

2. Effective anti-oxidant- reduces risk of cancer, protects heart.

3. Lowers bad cholesterol.4. Used for hair and skin care.5. Used in garden to improve

flowering.

D. Governmental and Economical Tea was very important because it

created a connection between the east and the west.

In 780 was when tea was taxed in China.The British were laying heavy taxes on

tea imported to America.In protest of the heavy taxes the citizens

of the 13 colonies held the Boston Tea Party where they all snuck onto a ship and dumped tea into the harbor.

There were several other parties in states such as New York and Maine.

The First Tea Companies

The John Company and The East India Trade Company were monopolies that controlled tea.

The tea companies were run by the royal family and they had the power to operate in any way necessary to ensure the supply of tea.

The Townshend Revenue Act taxes more British exports and tea is one of them.

King George III decided to close the Boston Port Bill until the East India Company is reimbursed.

The first tea plantation was made in Assam by the British East India Company.

Latest Trends in TeaTea is gaining popularity in the USA.

Places such as Star Bucks, Seattle Coffee are offering variety of flavors of Tea.

Because of Tea’s anti-oxidant and other medicinal properties, it is making an impact in the weight loss area and other consumer goods.

A cup of tea a day keeps the doctor away!

Bibiliography  "History of Tea, Tea Origin." Wissotzky Tea. Web. 16

Dec. 2010. <http://www.wtea.com/about-tea_history.aspx>.

 "Tea - Monthly Price - Commodity Prices." Index Mundi - Country Facts. Web. 16 Dec. 2010. <http://www.indexmundi.com/commodities/?commodity=tea&months=18>.

 "Types of Tea | Green Tea, Black Tea, Oolong and White Tea from Imperial Tea Garden."Buy Tea Online | Green Tea | Black Tea | White Tea | Herbal Tea, Loose Tea, and Tea Bags and Tea Accessories. Web. 16 Dec. 2010. <http://www.imperialteagarden.com/teas.html>.

 "Executive Brief / Tea Sector / Commodities." Home - Agritrade. Web. 16 Dec. 2010. <http://agritrade.cta.int/en/Commodities/Tea-sector/Executive-brief>.