Discovering Tea

Have you ever wondered who discovered tea? Legends vary by culture. The most popular story is of an ancient Chinese emperor who was relaxing by his garden and sipping a cup of hot, boiled water. A leaf from a nearby tea bush fell into his cup. The emperor smelled the infusion, gave it a taste, deemed it more satisfactory than water, and the practice of drinking tea began.

The people of India have their own legend of the story of tea's discovery. According to their version, a Buddhist priest decided to prove his faith by spending seven years without sleep. After achieving five years of success with this task, he found himself catnapping. Desperate, he snatched some leaves from a nearby tea bush and chewed on them. The leaves were able to keep him awake and he was able to complete his seven years of meditation.

Now, next to water, tea is the most popular, least expensive beverage in the world.