History of Tea

The history of tea goes back more than 5000 years. Lu Yu wrote the most famous tea book called Ch'a Ching, translated as "The Tea Classic." He attributed the discovery of tea to Shen Nung, a 28th century BC emperor. He was watching water boiling for his supper when a leaf of the Camellia Sinensis bush blew into his pot. Shen Nung liked the aroma and tasted the infusion....the practice of drinking tea was born. He told his people, according to Lu Yu, "Tea gives one vigour of body, contentment of mind, and determination of purpose, when taken over a long period of time." After 5000 years of tea drinking, modern medical researchers are making the same conclusions.

At The Great Galena Peddlery we started with about four or five types of tea in 1981, when seeminly everyone was drinking coffee. Through the years the romance of teas has crept into our lives with the British ritual of afternoon tea and treats or the Asian ceremonies to savor the art and delicate flavors. India's Chai came to the forefront a few years ago and made a splash with the coffee house community. All along the way the media has increased it's coverage of the health benifits of tea, both physically and spiritually.

We drink it all day long, from that first mug of strong black brew to the relaxing pot after dinner. Tea is our life. Come and see what we have to offer. Loose leaf or bags, white, green, oolong, black and herbal blends, and all the tea pots, infusiors, cups, and accessories you can imagine.