Tea emerges from legend over 5000 years ago when it was "discovered" by the emperor Shen Nong. While boiling his drinking water, dried leaves from a nearby bush fell into the water, and the result - Tea!

Ever since, the influence of tea has permeated every aspect of the Chinese society and culture. As trade routes were opened, tea quickly gained popularity in the West. Today, it is ranked second only to water as the world's most consumed beverage.

Throughout history, tea has influenced world politics and shaped international events. From the British colonization of India, to the Boston Tea Party, tea has played an integral role in global trade relations.

Native to China, Camellia Sinensis, the tea plant, is now cultivated throughout the world. Today, tea plantations in India, Japan, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Africa, and Indonesia produce most of the world's tea.