Tea Origins Articles

pick your favorite tea producing country

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...

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...

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...

by Cameron Dodd

Japan | A Historical Tea Origin

Though tea didn’t originate in Japan, it has become an enduring part of Japanese culture. While it may not produce the same volume as other countries, Japan’s treatment of tea is unmatched in terms of quality and cultural significance. Japanese...

by Zoë Maiden

South Africa | An Underdog Region Making an Impact with Their Indigenous Teas

When one thinks about the origins of tea, countries like China and India will often come to mind. During our journey of tea origins, we have discovered many other less known countries that have established delicious tea and created successful...

by Cameron Dodd

South America | Tea & the Unique Origin of Yerba Maté

South America has a wide range of climates, from tropical rainforests to freezing mountaintops. Of these diverse climates, there are actually many areas that can support growing the Camellia sinensis plant–the plant that gives us tea! However, South America is...

by Cameron Dodd

Sri Lanka | Ceylon Black Tea From the Country of Ceylon

As we continue our exploration of tea origins, our next stop is an island country called Sri Lanka. This South Asian island lies in the Indian Ocean and is geographically separated from peninsular India by the Gulf of Mannar and...

by Cameron Dodd

Taiwan | The History & Cultural Influence of Tea

Tea from Taiwan is exceptionally delicious and its origin story is fascinating. The tea industry in Taiwan is heavily influenced by China, Japanese investors, and British tea traders. The result of these three influences is a unique tea culture with...

by Zoë Maiden

United States | Tea History and the True Meaning of Local Tea

What comes to mind when you think of tea in America? Is it the Boston Tea Party? Perhaps you think of the Southern innovation of sweet tea? The Camellia sinensis tea plant, native to China, was a guarded secret for...

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True teas–like black, green, and oolong–come from the Camellia sinensis plant, while herbal teas are crafted from a variety of other botanicals.

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The history of tea's journey has taken it from one culture to the next, impacting each one and leaving behind traditions of flavor and comfort.

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Tea is everywhere in society, from the teahouse to the small-farm producer. Read our stories about the culture and resonate with others that enjoy tea like you do.

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From brew guides to recipes, we love making tea and sharing our expertise with the world. Let us share with you our favorite tea preparation techniques

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For centuries tea has been used for medicinal purposes and today it is one of the most accepted tools around the world to improve your every day health.

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Tea processing is a fascinating art. The more you dive into understanding it, the more you want to learn, so let's learn together.

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