Video: "Would you like a cup of tea?": How an invigorating drink got from the Middle Kingdom to Russia
2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55
Today it is already impossible to imagine a day without a cup of aromatic tea. It seemed that this drink was always present on our tables and became part of the national mentality of many countries. The history of its appearance in Europe is very interesting. In England, tea quickly took the place of a favorite drink, replacing ale and gin, and in Russia tea drinking with a samovar, bagels and sweets replaced a full meal.
China has been an isolated state for tens of centuries. There, everything that had cultural value, including tea, was jealously guarded from foreigners. But after the Portuguese paved a permanent sea route to the Middle Kingdom in 1516, the aromatic drink first appeared on the European royal table.
At first, tea was seen only as a medicinal drink prescribed by doctors. Some ladies at court spoke out:
A century later, tea gained popularity among the British. The Portuguese princess Catherine of Braganza became the wife of the English Prince Charles II, and with her light hand tea quickly replaced ale and gin from the leading drinks in Foggy Albion. In addition, as a dowry, the princess received the city of Bombay, which was considered the tea capital of India.
In 1690, the British brought tea to America. The supply of this drink grew by leaps and bounds, and the profit was serious. After all, the British established a monopoly on tea and set the prices they wanted. 5 years later, in 1773, when several merchant ships came to Boston harbor, disgruntled colonists disguised as Indians poured all the tea into the sea. This episode is called "The Boston Tea Party." READ MORE …
Tea has also gained immense popularity in Russia. Tea drinking with a samovar, bagels, jam and sweets could last for several hours and replace one meal. In 1770-1780 in Europe, deep saucers began to be produced in tea sets. It is believed that this tradition came from Russia, because it was in the saucers that tea was poured to make it cool faster.
By the twentieth century, tea had become a mainstream drink, sold everywhere without any restrictions. A novelty - "ice tea" is gaining great popularity. In 1906, merchant Richard Blechinden at the World's Fair began throwing ice into tea so as to quench the thirst of everyone during the heat, and not to be at a loss himself. The drink was received very favorably.
The story of the creation of tea bags is no less curious. Another American, Thomas Sullivan, packed tea for sale in silk bags. Many customers did not know how to brew it, and simply poured boiling water over the bags.
By the 21st century, tea began to be used not only as a drink, but also as an art object. Asian artist Hong Yi presented a stunning panel made from 20,000 tea bags.
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