Where did tea originate

Botanists have confirmed that tea plant grows wild in Assam.  It is believed that it was taken from there to China for cultivation.  The earliest written records of the beverage belong to the Chinese.  they have enjoyed it for over 4000 years!  The Samurai (one who serves) warriors were responsible for popularising the famous Japanese tea ceremony, a calm ritual designed to stimulate feeling for simple things, a form of training for mental composure elegant manners and etiquette.  At the ceremony powdered tea is brewed.

Image Source: www.wikipedia.org
Tea was introduced into Europe in the early 18th century, and it was considered as a great luxury.  Tea drinking spread and trade with China flourished, as that country was the chief supplier!  Large tea plantations were organized in India and then in Srilanka.  At present Kerala accounts for about 10% of area under tea in India.  Tea is now extensively grown in Java, Sumatra and Formosa.
The social change which the habit of tea drinking introduced in England may be attributed to China and India.  Tea was the biggest item of British trade with China in the early days of the East India Company.  By the end of the 18th century, it had invaded the breakfast table of all classes and the fashion of drinking it in the afternoon had also started!  Raynal the French philosopher and historian, was so impressed that he declared that it had done more for British soberity than any laws, sermons or moral treatises. 

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