The history of green tea begins in China almost 5,000 years ago, around 2737 BCE. From there it spread through Asia and then the rest of the world, woven into medicine, religion, and daily ritual along the way. Green tea has a rich history deeply intertwined with the cultural fabric of many Asian societies, and you can taste that heritage in our own green tea collection.
The origin of green tea in ancient China
Green tea's story begins in China around 2737 BCE when, according to legend, Emperor Shennong discovered tea after leaves from a wild tree blew into his pot of boiling water. Initially valued for its medicinal properties, tea cultivation began in earnest during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE to 220 CE). By the Tang Dynasty (618 to 907 CE), tea had become China's national drink and the subject of Lu Yu's "The Classic of Tea," the first known book on tea cultivation and preparation.
A timeline of green tea history
The journey of green tea across cultures and centuries is easy to follow as a sequence of key eras:
| Era | Milestone |
|---|---|
| c. 2737 BCE | Legendary discovery of tea by Emperor Shennong in China |
| 206 BCE to 220 CE | Han Dynasty: tea cultivation begins in earnest |
| 618 to 907 CE | Tang Dynasty: tea becomes China's national drink; Lu Yu writes "The Classic of Tea" |
| 9th century | Buddhist monks carry tea to Japan |
| 15th to 16th century | The Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu) takes shape under Zen Buddhism |
| 16th to 17th century | Tea reaches Europe and becomes fashionable among elites |
How green tea spread through Asia
Buddhist monks carried tea to Japan around the 9th century, where it grew into a distinct cultural practice. The Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu or sadō) developed in the 15th and 16th centuries under the influence of Zen Buddhism, emphasising mindfulness, respect, and tranquillity. In Korea, tea ceremonies date back to the 7th century and keep traditions distinct from both Chinese and Japanese practices.
The cultural significance of green tea
Green tea has long been far more than a beverage in many Asian cultures:
- Religious significance: In Buddhism, tea supported meditation and became part of monastic life. Its stimulating yet calming effect helped sustain long periods of meditation.
- Social ritual: Offering tea became a sign of respect and hospitality across Asia. The formal Japanese ceremony embodies the principles of harmony (wa), respect (kei), purity (sei), and tranquillity (jaku).
- Artistic inspiration: Tea inspired poetry, painting, and ceramics, and shaped the design of tea houses and gardens.
- Economic impact: Tea became a valuable trade commodity that shaped economic policy and even international relations, as the British tea trade with China shows.
Green tea goes global
Europeans first encountered tea in the 16th century through Portuguese missionaries in China. By the 17th century it had become fashionable among European elites. The British East India Company eventually established tea plantations in India to break China's monopoly, dramatically changing tea's availability around the world.
Why green tea still matters today
Today green tea keeps its cultural importance while winning new appreciation for its health benefits. Scientific research has supported many traditional claims, renewing interest in green tea's antioxidant properties and the effects it may have on long-term health. If you are curious about the modern ritual, our guides to the best time to drink green tea and why green tea feels so relaxing pick up where this history leaves off.
From ancient Chinese emperors to modern health enthusiasts, the history of green tea reflects a remarkable ability to adapt and stay relevant across cultures and centuries.
Frequently asked questions
Where did green tea originate?
Green tea originated in China. According to legend, Emperor Shennong discovered tea around 2737 BCE, and cultivation began in earnest during the Han Dynasty.
How old is green tea?
Green tea has a history of nearly 5,000 years. Its legendary discovery dates to about 2737 BCE, and it became China's national drink during the Tang Dynasty (618 to 907 CE).
Who discovered green tea?
By legend, the Chinese emperor Shennong discovered tea when leaves blew into his pot of boiling water. The story is part of Chinese folklore rather than documented fact.
How did green tea spread to Japan?
Buddhist monks carried tea from China to Japan around the 9th century. Over time it developed into the Japanese tea ceremony, which took shape in the 15th and 16th centuries under Zen Buddhism.
When did green tea reach Europe?
Europeans first encountered tea in the 16th century through Portuguese missionaries in China, and it became fashionable among European elites during the 17th century.