The history of tea is worthy of a large book, a coffee table book maybe.  Ha ha.  So rather than get really in depth about the history of tea, I will give you a nice overview of tea basics.  The discovery of tea goes all the way back to China around 2737 B.C. and Emperor Shen Nung.  The story has it that the Emperor liked to boil his water before drinking it and on one occasion the wind blew a few tealeaves into his water.  Always a man of discovery, Emperor Shen Nung tried the new drink and tea was born.  Tea spread throughout the world, first through Japan and India, then to the Netherlands.  It came to England during the 1650’s and then moved to the colonies.  Tea became a big hit in the American colonies, especially with women.

Tea comes in several varieties: black tea (this is most common), white tea, green tea, and oolong tea.  Many companies even add flavors to tea, like peach and lemon.  You make tea by steeping, or soaking, the leaves in hot water.  After steeping you can add things to your tea: honey, milk, sugar, or lemon.  By the way, do you feel like a spot of original Boston Tea Party style tea?  Click here to get it!