Legend has it that the discovery of tea was an accident, when a tea leaf fell in Chinese Emperor Shen Nung‘s cup of hot water. That’s how it was discovered and gained its popularity over the years. It is believed that after water, tea is the most consumed beverage.

Also the discovery of tea bags happened by chance. In 1908 a man named Thomas Sullivan had packed tea bags as samples for his customers, with a thought that it could be emptied while preparing tea. But customers assumed it had to be dipped in hot water and that’s how tea bags were discovered.

How did high tea get its name? It was a tradition during British reign that evening meals were paired with tea and were had on high dining tables. Thus, the name.

More About Tea

• Rasberry leaves are used to make fruity herbal tea.
• Black Tea in US is called Red Tea in China.
• The art of understanding tea leaves is called tasseography.