There’s something almost magical about a steaming cup of tea—the aroma, the warmth, the delicate flavor, the pause it offers. Beyond these delights, tea has long been celebrated for its ability to nurture the mind and body—qualities first recognized by the ancients.
Ancient Origins
History tells us that tea originated in ancient China in 2737 B.C. According to legend, Emperor Shen Nung rested under the shade of a tree one summer’s day during his travels, while his servant boiled water nearby. A breeze carried leaves from the tree into the pot, and intrigued by the aroma, the emperor—also a scholar and herbalist—tasted the accidental infusion. Thus, tea was born.
That first brew came from Camellia sinensis, the plant that produces all “true teas”—green, black, oolong, white, pu-erh, and matcha—while herbal teas, derived from other plants, are excluded.
