Tea

Tea: The World’s Most Popular Beverage

Imagine a world where every morning, millions of people start their day with the comforting aroma and taste of tea. This aromatic beverage has been an integral part of human culture for centuries, evolving from a medicinal herb to a global phenomenon. But have you ever wondered about its origins or how it became so widely consumed?

The Origins of Tea

Tea is made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis or Camellia taliensis, and it’s the most popular drink in the world. But where did this beloved beverage come from? The etymology of ‘tea’ itself tells a fascinating story. Did you know that the word for tea reflects its history of transmission and trade from China to countries around the world?

Three broad groups of words for tea exist: te, cha, and chai. The Chinese word for tea likely originated from an archaic Austro-Asiatic root word ‘la,’ meaning ‘leaf.’ This linguistic journey mirrors the plant’s geographical spread.

The Tea Plant

Tea plants are native to East Asia, with a probable center of origin near the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar. Chinese (small-leaf) type tea may have originated in southern China through hybridization of unknown wild tea relatives. Meanwhile, Chinese Assam-type tea has two possible parentages: one from southern Yunnan and the other from western Yunnan.

These plants can grow up to 16 meters tall if left undisturbed but are generally pruned to waist height for easier plucking. Only the top 2.5–5 cm of the mature plant is picked, with new shoots producing new and tender leaves that increase tea quality.

The Journey from East Asia

Tea’s journey began in ancient East Asia, where it was used for medicinal purposes before becoming a recreational drink. The earliest written records of tea come from China, with the word ‘tú’ appearing in ancient texts to signify a bitter vegetable.

The first recorded shipment of tea by a European nation was in 1607, followed by the Dutch East India Company’s introduction to Europe. Russia became aware of tea through Cossack visits to China in 1567, while Tsar Michael I received tea as a gift from the Mongolian Khan in 1638.

Tea was introduced to Western priests and merchants in China during the 16th century. By the mid-17th century, it was being sold in London’s coffee houses, with Catherine of Braganza introducing it to the English court in 1662. Tea became an everyday beverage for all levels of society in Europe after Indian tea began to arrive in large quantities in the late 19th century.

Processing and Varieties

The development of oolong tea occurred in the 15th century, where leaves were partially oxidized before being heated. Western tastes favored fully oxidized black tea. The British discovered a different variety of tea endemic to Assam and hybridized it with Chinese small-leaf-type tea.

Tea plants can be propagated from seed and cuttings, requiring 4-12 years to bear seed and 3 years before harvesting. Many high-quality tea plants are cultivated at elevations of up to 1,500 m above sea level, where they grow more slowly but acquire a better flavor.

Several teas are available from specified flushes, such as Darjeeling’s first flush, second flush, monsoon, and autumn. Assam second flush is considered superior due to gold tips on the leaves.

The Global Tea Industry

Tea is mainly grown in Asia and Africa, with China, India, Kenya, and Sri Lanka being the four biggest producers, representing 81% of world production. The annual global tea production was around 8 million tonnes as of 2016.

The order of steps in preparing a cup of tea can vary between cultures and individuals. Historically, the order of steps was taken as an indication of class, with those wealthy enough to afford good-quality porcelain confident of its ability to cope with boiling water unadulterated with milk.

Tea Consumption Around the World

In many cultures, tea is consumed at social events and ceremonies. In the United Kingdom, 63% of people drink tea daily, often served in cafés or tea rooms. Ireland was the second-biggest per capita consumer of tea as of 2016, with an annual average consumption of between 2.7 kg to 4 kg per person.

Tea is consumed with milk or sugar in many countries, including Ireland and Russia. In Pakistan, both black and green teas are popular and often served after meals. In the US, 80% of tea is consumed as iced tea, and sweet tea is iconic in the southeastern region.

Tea Production and Certification

Several bodies certify tea production, including Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade, UTZ Certified, and Organic. Sustainability standards-certified tea production experienced a compound annual growth rate of about 35% from 2008 to 2016. In 2016, at least 1.15 million tonnes of sustainably certified tea was produced, valued at US$2 billion.

Issues such as safety, fraud, and labor concerns are prevalent in the industry. Residues of banned toxic pesticides have been detected in commercially popular teas, while lower cost ingredients may be substituted for tea or a tea may be adulterated with undeclared colors and flavors. Tea production in Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda uses child labor, and workers can face harsh working conditions.

Conclusion

Tea has come a long way from its origins as a medicinal herb to becoming the world’s most popular beverage. Its journey is a testament to human ingenuity and cultural exchange. As we continue to enjoy this aromatic drink, let us also remember the stories behind each cup and the efforts of those who cultivate it.