Tea 201 - Origin - Where Tea is Grown

It would not be a proper lesson on tea without sitting down and discussing its origin. Where is it grown? More importantly, where can it grow?

Tea’s Origin

Where did tea originally come from?

Its natural form is believed to have originated in China. The most celebrated teas come from an area of China known as "The Golden Triangle," located between the mountains of Huang Shan, Mogan Shan, Qi Shan, and Tianmu Shan.

Tea Growing Regions

• Taiwan is well known for its oolong teas.
• India has gained popularity for its Assam teas (grown in the Brahmaputra Valley) and Darjeeling teas (grown in the ex-British hills of the Himalayas). Darjeeling teas are often called the "Champagne of teas."
• Nepal produces tea that closely resembles Darjeeling from its side of the Himalayas.
• Sri Lanka is famous for its Ceylon tea, primarily grown in Nuwara Eliya, Dimbula, and Uva.
• Japan is renowned for its sencha, bancha, and matcha green teas.

Beyond Asia

Tea growing has also expanded to East Africa, including:

• Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, and Tanzania, where large quantities of black teas are produced. However, these teas have not yet reached the same quality as Chinese Yunnan or Indian Darjeeling.

Tea cultivation has even reached the Americas, in countries like:

• Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and even the USA.

Tea has spread all over the world, and as its popularity continues to grow, so will its cultivation.

Pretty cool, no?