Tea Facts

History:  Tea is said to have been discovered 5,000 years ago in China, and has since played a major role in both the cultural and social traditions of many countries.  Today, tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world, second only to water. Over 30 countries produce tea, though the world's best known and most consumed varieties hail from China, India, Japan, Sri Lanka and Taiwan.

Tea Plant:  All teas come from a plant called Canellia Sinensis.  The single plant produces thousands of tea varietals.  The differences stem from where the tea is grown, how it is plucked and how it is processed.  Like coffee plants, tea plants like hot days, cool nights, plenty of rain and higher altitudes.

Health Benefits:  Studies suggest that the antioxidants, vitamins and minerals in tea may help:

• protect against cancer
• boost the immune system
• prevent tooth decay
• lower cholesterol