It’s Tea Time!
Amidst the world’s haste, we find solace in the slow dance of loose tea leaves in a pot, where wellness and flavour intertwine. Tea bags may offer a quick fix, but our hearts dwell in the pot’s ballet. Those loose tea leaves make for an indulging tea experience; an experience that caters to all our senses, all at once, the flavours that invigorate, the aromas that linger, and the visual treat as the brewing occurs.
Every Sip Tells A Story!
In the depths of ancient China, nearly 5,000 years ago, the tale of tea blossomed. Emperor Shen Nung, the father of agriculture in Chinese mythology, is believed to have discovered tea in 2737 BC. According to the legend, as he rested with his attendants in the outdoors, a gentle gust carried a few wild leaves into his pot of bubbling water. Ignorant of the subtle transformation in colour, he took a sip, and in that instant, a world of delicate flavours and rejuvenation intrigued him. What began as an accident soon became a beloved tradition, and tea spread throughout China, becoming an integral part of Chinese culture and philosophy.
Emperor Shen Nung
In the early days, tea was roasted and sculpted into bricks, then finely chopped, surrendering to the boiling water and releasing its essence like a whispered secret. Later, it was transformed into powders, but those loose tea leaves became a relishing delight during the Ming Dynasty’s reign (AD 1368–1644).
Tea was once consumed as a medicinal drink, flavoured with sweet onions, ginger, salt, orange peel, cloves, or mint. Infused with the fragrant essence of jasmine, chrysanthemum, and the delicate petals of lotus, it evolved into a drink of pure pleasure during the Song Dynasty (AD 960–1279).
A Steaming Cup of History!
The flavours of tea spilled beyond the borders of China along the Silk Route to the heart of Europe. Amidst caravans laden with spices, silks, and dreams, tea leaves became a cherished commodity. As merchants and travellers exchanged tales and goods, tea leaves whispered stories of distant lands, leaving their imprint on the taste buds. As it was carried westward, it embraced a symphony of cultures. In the hands of diverse souls, each a custodian of their own heritage, tea absorbed different flavours and customs. Every cup told a story as unique as the hands that brewed it.
The British East India Company sowed the seeds, and in the 19th century, Assam’s fertile soil made it thrive. Chabua birthed India’s first tea plantation in 1837, and skilled Chinese hands brought to work on plantations sculpted the industry’s roots. From Assam, the legacy of tea cascaded into Darjeeling’s misty hills and the Nilgiris’ lush valleys. Today, India reigns as a tea titan, famed for its Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiris treasures.
Nilgiris
In the blink of an eye, tea conquered India’s heart. From roadside stalls to corporate houses and luxury hotels, tea reigns supreme. In this ever-steeping journey, the quest for exquisite tea varieties and blends emerges, promising a world of opportunities.
Sip and Savour!
From the elite’s sips to age-old ceremonies and governments’ tax strategies, tea has shaped the world. It has adorned homes and graced fashion. Today, it’s a meditative retreat and a burst of energy in a cup. Emotions steeped, and history brewed. After water, tea takes the global sip of honour, ranking as the world’s second most cherished beverage.
Tea traditions paint a global canvas, like Cha-no-yu in Japan, Gong-fu in China, and the iconic Afternoon Tea in Britain. Diverse brews flourished, from masala chai to Kashmiri kahwa in India, pu-erh in China, matcha in Japan, caravan tea in Russia, mint tea in Morocco, butter tea in Tibet, sweet tea in the US, pearl milk tea in Taiwan, Noon chai in Pakistan, and cha-yen (cold tea) in Thailand, savouring each unique flavour and tradition.
Gong-fu in China
Raise your cups with Mitt Arv, celebrating this classic legacy where the art of brewing meets the essence of tradition. Each era and each moment are steeped into the tea, and as we sip, we whiff the essence of ages gone by.
