The first tea plant was discovered in China and earliest records suggest that tea was consumed around the 10th century BC. Camellia Sinensis is the Latin name for tea plant with Sinensis meaning Chinese in Latin, referring to the place of its discovery. Early production of tea in China was carried out in remote areas and was a painstaking process. During the Ming Dynasty processing techniques improved resulting in an increase in loose tea production. Tea was introduced to Europe a few centuries later. Portugal had established a trading port in Macau in the 16th century AD and the use of the word ‘Cha’ (Chinese for tea) was widespread. Tea leaves were brought to Amsterdam for the first time by the Dutch East India Company in early 17th century. In Britain tea was introduced through coffee houses and appeared publicly for the first time during the 1650s. Thereupon tea was introduced to the British colonies around the world including Ceylon (known as Sri Lanka today).

Coffee was the main crop grown on the island of Sri Lanka until the 1860s when a fungus wiped out most of the coffee plants. Owners of estates had to then turn to other crops and interest in tea began to grow. Sri Lanka, then known as Ceylon, was under the British rule and a Scott named James Taylor was responsible for planting the first tea seeds on the island. Using some of the basic knowledge Taylor had acquired in North India he sold his tea locally which was declared as delicious. A few years later he set up a factory and sold his tea for the first time for a good price at the London Auction. He was largely responsible for the increase in production of tea on the island during the late 19th century.

Over 80% of the tea estates were owned and managed by British companies until 1971, when the government of Sri Lanka took control of majority of the estates. However, during the 1990s private sector companies were given control over many plantations as Managing Agents. Today tea production in Sri Lanka plays a vital role in defining the economy of the country and forms a major source of income to the labour market and a source of foreign exchange. Sri Lanka is the fourth largest producer of tea in the world, contributing 15% of the country’s GDP.

Majority of the Ceylon tea gardens are located in three areas; southwestern, southern and central parts of the island at elevations between 3000 and 8000 feet. Tea is picked and gathered throughout the year.

Health benefits of tea have been known from the time of its first use thousands of years ago. Some recent studies have showed that tea has various health effects as it contains high levels of antioxidants, some of which are referred to as catechins, flavonoids and polyphenols.

Therefore, research has shown that tea can lower blood pressure and cholesterol and in turn help heart disease patients. Harvard Medical School (2004) has said that green tea could help curtail esophageal cancer. In addition to this, Center for Human Nutrition at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine in 2004 has said that both green and black tea can slow down the spread of prostate cancer. Studies have also shown that drinking tea helps with inflammatory bowel disease and diabetes. Tea also contains fluoride which has bacteria killing properties and helps control the formation of plaque around the teeth and prevents bad breath.

To get the most out of drinking tea, high quality loose leaf teas should be chosen. Drinking tea can help develop an atmosphere of sociability, friendship, leisure and harmony. Therefore, sip, savor and enjoy the many benefits of drinking tea!!!