explore our tea library

The History of Tea Parties
  • by Kourtney Cooley

The History of Tea Parties

Although tea itself is originally from China, the first tea party was hosted in England. In 1662 Catherine of Braganza, the wife of King Charles II, hosted the first ever tea party on record following the marriage of her and...

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The History of the Teahouse Part 1 | Asia
  • by Karla Walker

The History of the Teahouse Part 1 | Asia

China  The teahouse in China may date as far back as the Tang Dynasty. Historians regard the Tang Dynasty as the golden age of Chinese Civilization. It's considered the golden age of culture, which explains why teahouses as places to...

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The History of the Teahouse Part 2 | European Teahouses
  • by Karla Walker

The History of the Teahouse Part 2 | European Teahouses

Tea is such an integral part of the culture in England that you would think drinking tea socially while gathering with friends must have originated there. Where else do you find a culture where you know what time it is...

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The History of the Teahouse Part 3 | Evolution of the U.S. Teahouse
  • by Karla Walker

The History of the Teahouse Part 3 | Evolution of the U.S. Teahouse

It's no surprise that there would be British influence in the U.S. Tea industry, but it never became engrained in Americans as it did in Britain. Tea was a very familiar practice in the 19th century, and many enjoyed "tea...

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The History of the Teahouse Part 4 | The Modern Teahouse
  • by Karla Walker

The History of the Teahouse Part 4 | The Modern Teahouse

Unlike the history of coffeehouses with a common thread of gathering for discourse, business, or pleasure, the history of the tea house is much more diverse. You can characterize tea as an individual experience. Different types of tea traditions bring...

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The History of Tea & How It Came to the United States
  • by Zoë Maiden

The History of Tea & How It Came to the United States

Tea has been a universally enjoyed beverage for centuries. However, the origins and historical distribution of tea are not widely known. British culture has placed a high priority on tea for over three hundred and fifty years, and many assume...

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Tea 101 | A Brief Overview of the Tea Plant
  • by Cameron Dodd

Tea 101 | A Brief Overview of the Tea Plant

It’s started wars, been used as currency, and–aside from water–it is the number one most consumed beverage in the world. What is it?  Tea, of course!  Tea may seem simple at first. It is, after all, just steeping leaves in...

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Black Tea 101 | History, Processing, and Health Benefits
  • by Cameron Dodd

Black Tea 101 | History, Processing, and Health Benefits

History of Black Tea Black tea was discovered in China in the mid-17th century. For many years, only green and oolong teas were consumed. The story of how black tea came to be is that an army from Jianxi entered...

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China | Tea's Birthplace and Top Producer
  • by Cameron Dodd

China | Tea's Birthplace and Top Producer

Of all the tea origin stories, the history and evolution of tea in China is the most influential. Tea cultivation and consumption began here, making tea a deeply embedded part of Chinese culture since before the third century. Originally, monks...

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Egypt | Historical and Cultural Impact of Tea
  • by Zoë Maiden

Egypt | Historical and Cultural Impact of Tea

  The art of drinking tea has significantly influenced many different regions and cultures for centuries. We have learned about the first discovery of tea in China and its migration through Europe and India. Now, this beloved beverage is consumed...

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Fruit Tea 101: History & Benefits
  • by Cameron Dodd

Fruit Tea 101: History & Benefits

Fruit tea, served hot or cold, is naturally sweet and deliciously refreshing. But what exactly are we drinking when we drink fruit tea? Well, for starters, it may surprise you to hear that fruit tea is not technically ‘tea’. Tea...

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India | A Top Producer of Our Favorite Teas
  • by Zoë Maiden

India | A Top Producer of Our Favorite Teas

The History of Tea in India: How They Became a Top Producer of Our Favorite Teas India and China are the two countries that contend for the title of “World’s Largest Tea Producer,” but their competition is a relatively recent...

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