India and the history of tea

By Claudia Behlert

We have known and loved tea for over four centuries. But how did this development come about? What do we know about India and the history of tea? The Dutch were the first trading nation to deliver tea to Europe around 1600. From there, the beverage spread to neighboring countries. A certain Thomas Twining opened the first tea salon in London in 1717. It took another 60-70 years for the aromatic hot beverage to reach Germany.

India and the history of tea have always been closely linked. Chai, a tea with milk and sugar, is found almost everywhere here. When spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and a little pepper are added, it’s called masala chai. It’s a very enjoyable variation that also has health benefits thanks to the spices and ginger it contains.

The British colonial powers initially sourced their tea exclusively from China. Tea was paid for with expensive silver until the English came up with the idea of ​​bartering. This had disastrous consequences that continued into our time. From then on, tea was purchased in exchange for opium. This led to the construction of veritable opium factories in India and ultimately to the Opium Wars.

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