The world of tea is not just a vast and diverse collection of beverages, but a rich tapestry of cultural heritage. Each cup of tea, with its unique blend and flavor, is a reflection of a country’s time and stories. This makes tea more than just a drink; it is an essential way for people to communicate and interact with each other. The Sungkyun Times (SKT) will delve into the roots of tea, savoring the diverse range of teas from around the world.
The Story Behind Each Cup
-Where is the Home of Tea?
The word tea, with its origins in the dialect te from Xiamen City in China, carries a rich historical significance. The most widely accepted explanation within the tea industry is the Chinese origin theory. According to the Tea Classic, the earliest written record dating back to 2737 BC, tea drinking began with the god of agriculture, Xin Nong, who accidentally dropped a tea leaf into boiling water. This humble beginning led to a significant trade commodity between the East and West, profoundly influencing cultures and economies worldwide. From the 18th century, Chinese tea began to be exported to the Western world. The British valued tea so highly that they bought Chinese tea with silver and started selling opium to make up for the trade deficit, which essentially led to the Opium Wars.
-The Secrets within Six Cups of Tea
While the criteria used to classify tea vary from country to country, the fundamental classification method is the Chinese six-type classification system. This system is based on several factors, including the shape of the tea leaves, tea-growing region, the time of washing, the drying method, and the processing technique.
Tea has been enjoyed for its flavor and potential health benefits for centuries. For instance, green and white tea contain antioxidants called catechins, which may help prevent aging, reduce the risk of heart disease, and lower the possibility of certain types of cancer. This practical aspect adds to the enjoyment of tea, making it not just a cultural experience but also a healthy choice.
Infusions of Cross Culture
-The Poetry of Eastern Tea
Eastern tea cultures, also called tea ceremonies, are rooted in East Asia. Compared to other countries, Korean Darye is less formalized, and politeness is most important when serving tea to guests. Tea drinking etiquette includes maintaining an appropriate demeanor, refraining from direct eye contact, and avoiding any disruptive sounds while drinking the tea. China, with the oldest tea history, presents numerous different types of tea and ways to consume it depending on the region. Chinese Daye emphasizes the armistice nature of tea preparation, mainly through the delicate and elegant movements that characterize the ceremony. On the other hand, the Japanese Dado spirit is based on the philosophical principle of “once in a lifetime,” which means that people meet each other once in a lifetime and should value the time they have together. The Japanese Dado encompasses elements such as tea rooms for entertaining guests and high-end Japanese cuisine, extending beyond tea preparation. Although there are similarities between the tea ceremonies, each has distinctive characteristics — Darye emphasizes ritual, Daye focuses on artistry, and Dado stresses procedure.
-The Elegance of Western Tea
Western tea culture has its roots in England and has subsequently disseminated throughout the globe. Many British people drink tea several times a day, however, the traditional way of drinking tea is through afternoon tea, which is often served with scones, sandwiches, and cakes and originates from the social gatherings of the nobility. In 1706, England opened its first tea house, Twinings, which only served tea without coffee, creating the modern tea culture in England. England also has a culture called cream tea, where black tea is served with clotted cream and a scone with jam, a scaled-down version of the afternoon tea. In contrast to East Asia, England is particularly renowned for its blended teas, which combine leaf teas with various flavors, making its high-end blended tea brands popular. Jung Seung-ho, head of the Korea Tea Sommelier Institute, stated, “In light of the mutual admiration between Eastern and Western tea cultures, it seems that future developments will see a harmonious fusion of tea, with each culture recognizing and appreciating the other.” Although the two cultures have different roots, they have developed distinct tea cultures, with modern tea houses in the West offering a comprehensive range of opportunities to enjoy tea.
The Renaissance of Tea
-The New Leaf of Tea Culture
The emergence of new tea brands and tea product launches reflects the changing needs of consumers. There is a growing awareness of the benefits of tea as the culture of drinking tea becomes more accepted as part of an individual’s lifestyle. The popularity of functional tea, including Teatox and Kombucha, is increasing. According to the Food Information Statistics System (FIS), the retail sales of liquid tea in Korea showed a significant growth trend, rising from \301.55 billion in 2020 to \415.94 billion in 2023. Moreover, milk tea, previously made with tea and milk, has evolved into a new style of tea with a wider variety of additional ingredients. Gongcha, a brand of new-style tea, has significantly contributed to popularizing tea in Korea by diversifying the original tea into milk, fruit, and bubble tea. Tea has become a trendy element of everyday life, reflecting the accelerated pace of modern life and the growing demand for convenience.
-Blending Tradition and Modernity
In Korea, local governments and tea brands collaborate to promote the country’s unique tea culture and actively organize events and festivals. Lee Mi-yeon, a director of the Sungkyun Confucianism Humanity Education Center, said, “For the development of tea culture in Korea, it is crucial to identify and emphasize the unique value of traditional tea.” For instance, the World Tea Expo 2023 Hadong was held with the theme “Natural Fragrance, Healthy Future Tea.” Visitors were given a unique experience, with the opportunity to sample 25 types of tea for free and view the first global exhibition of late-fermented tea. The Hadong tea industry will enhance competitiveness by developing a differentiated experience program that leverages local characteristics. On August 12th, Boseong County, the largest green tea producer in Korea, opened a political forum to discuss how to stimulate and develop the domestic tea industry. Furthermore, Boseong promotes its tea in different ways, including the Tea Museum of Korea, the Boseong Green Tea Festival, and Boseong green tea beverages. In addition, visitors can experience the charm of Korean tea and gain a closer understanding of tea culture through daily tea classes. Tea classes run by Jeju Osulloc, a renowned Korean tea brand, offer tours of its tea garden and a unique opportunity to blend a cup of tea. The Osulloc tea field covers an area of 1 million km2 with different colors and aromas of tea, which enhance the experience of touring the tea field. Korea’s tea culture is blossoming, gracefully weaving traditional practices and modern influences together.
Tea is a harmonious combination of color, aroma, and taste. In the same way that two cultures are created from a single leaf, tea reflects a country’s culture, and drinking a cup of tea is a way to get a feel for the traditions of each country. Moreover, tea culture is continually evolving and becoming more vibrant with new trends. Kingos, how about taking a break from the daily routine and relax with a cup of tea?