In many countries of the world tea is an important component of everyday culture, even an expression of a certain outlook on life.

In addition to India, China lays claim to having invented tea. As a medicine over 3000 years ago, later used in meditation, it was reserved for the upper classes for centuries and was regarded as the favoured drink of the emperor. Today tea is just as much a part of daily life in China as are rice and Soya sauce. Guests are always welcomed with a cup of it as a sign of respect.

Although it came from China to Japan as late as the 8th century B.C., the more distinctive tea ceremony developed there. Originally coming from south China (where the faithful circled a bowl of tea), over the course of time monks, Samurai warriors and commanders continued to add new components to it, which the tea master Sen Rikyu defined in the 16th century. The “Way of Tea” as the preparation and drinking ceremony is called, unites harmony with nature, respect for others, purity of the soul and peace of mind.

Dutch bring tea to Europe
In the 17th century it became the national drink in England, first in coffee houses which where reserved exclusively for men, then under the direction of women at home, too. In 1717 Thomas Twining established the first tea room in London, open to everyone.

In the mid-19th century Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, introduced afternoon tea. At five o’clock, when servants returned, the duchess asked for tea and cake to conquer her afternoon hunger. Since then “five o’clock tea” has been a fixed institution in the United Kingdom, in the simple version accompanied by fresh milk (not cream!), white sugar, hot water and biscuits. The principle that applies here: milk in first!