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Read more about the beginnings of tea in Part 1
Tea is a historically popular drink, but it didn't always have such a widespread appeal. In this blog post, we are going to discuss how tea spread throughout history and into various regions across the world. We will also talk about the history of tea in some of the areas that tea now enjoys popularity--such as the UK, America, and Australia.
Tea history is still an evolving story that has been recorded for thousands of years! Tea history began with the Chinese who drank green tea. The drink was exported to Japan, where it became very popular. From there, traders were able to bring the leaves back to Europe by traveling across Asia through Russia or trade routes along Africa’s coastline into Europe via ports like Venice.
The Dutch East India Company brought Britain's first samples when they arrived from Java which led to Queen Catherine of Braganza taking a liking to this exotic new beverage and introducing it at court after she married King Charles II in 1662. People in the UK enjoy a cup of tea as a way to relax and catch up with family or friends.
In the 19th century, tea production was very labor intensive as leaves were picked by hand from the ground using small handheld scissors, which made it an expensive drink for ordinary people. But during this time, things started going well for British colonial history in India when they began growing their own teas starting around 1835- a fact that significantly boosted Britain’s economy and allowed them to grow more money than any other country - making themselves wealthier than China!
Tea was first brought over to the United States in the 1600s. It became a favorite of colonists, who drank it for pleasure and also to feel closer to their native England.
A huge part of tea history in the United States involved the Boston Tea Party, where large amounts of tea were dumped into the Boston Harbor to protest taxes on tea. The history of tea in the US also includes Thomas Jefferson, who grew his own supply at Monticello.
In the 1800s, tea history in America changed from being a drink for rich colonists to one served even by the common man. By 1880, over 60 percent of American households were drinking tea and storing it in their homes like other groceries. It was also during that time that Americans started adding sugar and milk to their tea instead of just drinking it straight or with lemon--which we still do today!
Americans are more familiar with black tea than any other kind. They began importing it in the 1720s when they would take crates of China's finest to New York for trade or sell them wholesale along with the East Coast ports. By 1832, American ships were bringing home over half a million pounds each year!
By 1850, Americans were drinking almost nine million pounds annually--that means that nearly one out of every five cups of tea drunk in Europe was being enjoyed by an American consumer! Over time, this has evolved into today, where about 98% of all tea sold in America is black tea.
Tea was first brought over to Australia by British settlers in 1788--and this history has stood strong ever since! People drink tea all around Australia; there are even famous teas like Lapsang Souchong that gave name to an entire region (the Hunter Valley) where the history of tea is still preserved today.
Australians also enjoy tea with milk and sugar, though there is also a history of drinking tea without it as well. Tea has become so popular in Australia that an entire museum dedicated to its history can be found there.
Tea history has continued this trend since then. As more companies became available to purchase different brands (and make them accessible), people's tastes began changing again; now green teas are becoming popular because they offer health benefits such as antioxidants without too much caffeine.
Tea is an international drink that has been around for centuries and spans many different cultures. It’s interesting to see how the beverage spread from China all over the world, including to places like Australia, the United Kingdom, or America. What country does your favorite cup of tea come from? Let us know in a comment below!
