Tea was discovered (according to legend) about 2737 B.C. when Emperer Shen Nung of China was boiling water and a few leaves blew into his pot. Becoming curious, he tasted the brew and found it pleasing. And the rest, as we say, is history.
The Chineese so cherished their tea, a law was enacted to forbid the export of tea. People in other lands had heard rumors of it, but almost no one outside of China had ever seen it. Most were unclear on what one actually did with it. It was even once suggested that maybe one would boil the leaves, and eat it, buttered and salted!
The first European to encounter tea was Portugese Jesuit Father Jasper de Cruz in 1560. It's introduction to England was believed to be in the dowry of Portugese Princess Catherine of Braganza when she married Charles II in 1662.
As the "Oriental Craze" swept through Europe, tea became the beverage of the rich and famous. Only the most wealthy could afford the beverage which cost more than $100. a pound in the late 1600's. As the popularity grew and the import of tea increased, the price slowly fell. Tea imports of 40,000 pounds in 1699 rose to 240,000 pounds in 1708.
Continue on to the next page to learn of the development of the Victorian afternoon tea, social gatherings, and the advent of "tipping".
