History of Tea and Introduction

Greetings, call me Dolette, 18, and have been interested in tea for a while, but only researched deeper about it recently. And I was also taught, yes, taught about the history of tea on my campus. So, here's what I got. 

Tea, one of the world's most cherished beverages, is steeped in ancient legends.

According to Chinese lore, tea was discovered by Emperor Shennong around 2737 BCE. The emperor, known for his interest in herbs and medicines, was boiling water when a tea leaf accidentally drifted into his pot. Curious, he tasted the infusion and found it refreshing, marking the origin of tea.

In India, another tale credits the origins of tea to a monk named Buddha Dharma. As the legend goes, he chewed tea leaves to help sustain his focus and energy during a seven-year meditation.

Tea's journey began in China, where its use was initially confined to medicinal purposes. Early tea, known as "Cha'te" was prepared from fresh leaves and had a notably bitter taste. Over time, the Chinese refined their techniques, drying the leaves and brewing them in water to create a more palatable drink.

This transformation elevated tea to a cultural and social phenomenon. The beverage's rise to prominence was further amplified when a Chinese trader hired a writer, Lu Yu, to document the art of tea. Lu Yu's work, "The Classic of Tea" (Cha'Jing) became an essential guide, celebrating tea's preparation, culture, and philosophy.

Thus, what began as an accident evolved into a global tradition, uniting cultures and inspiring rituals that endure to this day. This story actually reminds me of the discovery of caviar, but that’s a tale for another time  ₍ᐢ.  ̫.ᐢ₎⋅♡anyways just wanted to yap here so