Green Tea History

Green Tea originated in China and can be traced back there over 4000 years. Whilst there are many fanciful stories about its origins as a medicine and a drink I think it is fair to say that it would be more of an ongoing experiment that resulted in its widespread use. As people sought after cures for their ailments the available leaves would be tried and tested.

Green Tea is the natural form of the Tea Plant and it does not require anything other than drying and brewing to product a very palatable drink. Hence it would not have required too long before its use became common place wherever the tea plant could be found. It would have taken rather longer to substantiate the healing properties of Tea and the health benefits that could be derived.

As is the usual case with humans, it would not be long after finding that Tea had healing properties that offerings would be made to the gods. So Tea has long been associated with 'religious' ceremony. Green Tea thus became a part of Chinese culture on many levels.

It wasn't until the 16th century that Tea was introduced to Europe buy returning missionaries. As this new found drink spread in popularity across Europe the demand rose sharply and a whole new opportunity for travelling merchants opened up. In less than a hundred years Tea became a very important commodity that was to cause much friction and fighting among trading nations.

Whilst much of the story of Tea revolves around greedy commerce it is true to say it would simply not have continued to this day if the health benefits of the simple Green Tea plant had not been real.