Origins of Tea

A Cup Of Tea From Wickstead's

Origins of Tea 

"Tea is an aromatic beverage commonly prepared by pouring hot or boiling water over cured leaves of the Camellia sinensis, an evergreen shrub native to Asia." from Wikipedia.

Photo As Seen On: WiseGeek.com

 So, where did the beverage, Tea, come from? 

Well, I have read that the Chinese have grown the indigenous Chinese tea plant and have been drinking it for centuries as a medicinal tonic. But that it was introduced through the trade routes to the West, via the Portuguese priests  back in the 16th Century.

What was the first Tea Cup?

The Chinese Underglaze Blue Tea Bowl, c1700. Kangxi Period

The first tea cups were handle-less and were called tea bowls not tea cups. They were introduced from China at the same time the Chinese Tea was brought to the West.

When did the tea bowl become a tea cup?

I have heard that tea is the most favorite drink/beverage besides water.