Green Tea History

The true history of green tea is steeped in myth and legend. But, there are archaeological and historical facts about the beginning of tea as a beverage.

The Green Tea Myth

Green tea was discovered as a medicinal herb by Sheng Nong, a legendary Chinese leader and medical expert, about 2737 B.C. During this time, water was boiled before drinking for health reasons. The story is that Sheng Nong was sitting under a tea tree boiling his water when some leaves fell into it. He drank the tea and declared it had medicinal value and he put it on his list of herbs.

The Chinese Green Tea History

Green tea has been used as a medicinal beverage for over 4000 years. At first, only the wealthy could afford it. After the fall of the Mongolian empire in 1368 A.D., tea drinking became popular with everyone.

In the beginning, the green tea leaves were dried in the sun, then chopped and boiled as a beverage. This was the earliest use of green tea. Around the 17th century, the Chinese began to prepare their tea in the shape of a pie. The green tea leaves were steamed, molded, and baked until they were dry. When it was time for tea, the pie was smashed by a roller and boiled. Pie tea was banned in 1391 by the Emperor Hongwu. The loose tea which had been steamed was now roasted.

The History of Japanese Green Tea

A Buddhist monk returning from China in 805 A.D. brought green tea seeds to Japan. The seeds had been collected from Mt. Tiantai in the Zhejiang Province. Only the affluent could afford the beverage in the beginning. The drinking of tea soon became popular among all of the people. Japan grows green tea and uses the Chinese method of steaming.

Today, tea is second only to water in popularity, world-wide. Green tea has become increasingly popular because of its health benefits.