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Nipun Wisnagalage
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Meet Ceylon’s Best Tea Pluckers (No 1, 2 & 3)

It’s true that Ceylon Tea hasn’t got a long history as Chinese tea. Tea was first grown commercially in Sri Lanka (Ceylon) by Scottish planter James Taylor in 1867. Eventually Ceylon Tea became one of the finest tasting teas in the world thanks to her overall, well balanced tasting profile with ideal strength, body, aroma and flavour. During this short history, Asia’s Sweetheart (Sri Lanka) had the honour of having highly skilled plantation workers, specially tea pluckers. They are the unsung heroes who really contributed for the betterment of “Pure Ceylon Tea”.  

The competition was hosted by the Sri Lanka Tea Board in celebration of 150 years of tea in Sri Lanka (2017), the national competition was first conducted at a divisional and then estate level with the winners qualifying to take part in a final inter-estate competition at Pedro Estate Nuwara Eliya which produces my favourite tea, adjudicated over by a panel of judges from Sri Lanka Tea Board and Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka. 

Sri Lanka Tea Board Best Tea Plucker competition, M. Sivagami, P. Indrani, and K.D. Vijayakala with Hayleys Plantations Managing Director Roshan Rajadurai and Hayleys PLC Chairman and Chief Executive Mohan Pandithage
Image Credit: Daily FT

During the heated final competition, three Hayleys Plantations’ harvesters – M. Sivagami, P. Indrani, K.D. Vijayakala – emerged victorious respectively taking first, second and third places at the all-island finals. 

1. M. Sivagami

Sivagami beated 120 other tea harvesters to pluck an outstanding 3 kg of tea in just 15 minutes. She was treated to a grand tour of some of Singapore’s most iconic sights including a trip to the Singapore Flyer, Chinatown and the Marina Garden by the Bay. She initiated her career at Fordyce Estate, Dikoya, Kellani Valley Plantations at the age of 25, Sivagami has been a steadfast employee for the company for the past 26 years in addition to being a wife and mother of two children. She stated that her dream would be to earn and save enough to provide a comprehensive education for her children.

2. P. Indrani

Indrani is a Talawakele Tea Estates employee from the Kiruwanganga Estate who received a cash prize for her efforts. Commencing her employment in the sector in 1967, Indrani – who has worked in the industry for four decades – expressed gratitude to her Superintendent, her colleagues, family and friends for encouraging her to do her best at the competition. 

3. K.D Vijayakala

The third place winner, K.D Vijayakala, also of Talawakele Tea Estates PLC, working in the Indola Estate, received a valuable cash prize for her efforts and was a truly special participant in the inaugural competition. A mother of three children, Vijayakala is 32 years old (During competition in 2017)and lives and works on the estate with her family.

It’s too late to congratulate these 3 proud women. But I am really happy since I was able to bring them some honour by sharing their great achievement with international tea community.

View More Tea Articles + Latest News: https://www.teawithnipun.com/

References

Original Post: http://www.ft.lk/agriculture/Hayleys-tea-harvesters-win-1st-2nd-and-3rd-place-at-national-tea-plucking-competition/31-660122

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Nipun Wisnagalage

The European Tea Society Creates Excellence in Speciality Tea Community

Tea was known to Chinese for more than 5000 years. But this wonderful beverage became a popular in Europe just few centuries back. Today, Europe is mainly a coffee drinking region. But still there are so many tea lovers who are so passionate on speciality tea. By the way, The European Tea Society which initially conceived in 2017 was presented to industry professionals in 2018, has also extended its membership offering to the wider European tea community.

Their mission is to create and inspire excellence in the specialty tea community through innovation, research, education and communication. With significant change taking place across the tea industry, both internationally as well as Europe, the European Tea Society is harnessing this movement to drive and motivate the specialty sector for the promotion and development of high quality teas and botanicals across the world.

Members of The European Tea Society will join a growing network of tea people that spans the globe. Our members oversee every step of the value chain, from the tea plants in the ground to the sip in the cup.

Image Credit: ttps://www.teaandcoffee.net/

Board of Directors are a group of highly experienced tea professionals and enthusiasts in the modern era.

DIRECTORS

Nigel Melican              President

Alexis Kaae                  Vice President and Chair of Education Committee

Bernadine Tay            Chair of Research & Technology and Marketing & Communications Committees

Christos Gkosdis        Chair of Finance Committee

Victoria Cleeves         Chair of Membership Committee

Karen Colclough        Chair of Operations Committee

Also,

David Veal              Executive Director and Chair of Events Committee     

Willem Huisman Director (Sales Director/Professional Filter France Benelux)

Daniel Versey Director (Marco Beverages)

European Tea Society President Nigel Melican said: “Geography is of no consequence. We embrace tea’s history and traditions, whilst evolving and championing European ideas and experience. Our aims are to enable sustainable growth of the European tea market, while guiding members through an ever-changing global marketplace.”

Learn More About Membership: https://www.europeanteasociety.org/membership

View More Tea Articles + Latest Tea News: https://www.teawithnipun.com/

References

  1. Official Website of The European Tea Society: https://www.europeanteasociety.org/
  2. Image Credit & More Information: https://www.teaandcoffee.net/
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Nipun Wisnagalage
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Honouring Late Navaratne Pilapitiya: Founder of New Vithanakande Tea Factory

It’s true that Ceylon Tea hasn’t got a long history as Chinese tea. Tea was first grown commercially in Sri Lanka (Ceylon) by Scottish planter James Taylor in 1867. Eventually Ceylon Tea became one of the finest tasting teas in the world thanks to her overall, well balanced tasting profile with ideal strength, body, aroma and flavour. During this short history, Asia’s Sweetheart (Sri Lanka) had the honour of having legends who really contributed to the betterment of tea industry. Late Mr. Navaratne Pilapitiya the Founder of New Vithanakande Tea Factory is one of them. This true legend passed away in early September 2019.

You must be wondering why I am admiring him so much. That’s purely due to his great effort to make his trade mark present in many popular Online tea websites all around the globe. It’s not a new name for single estate tea lovers in North America and Europe.

Image Credit: Daily FT & Daily Mirror

1. USA

Ceylon Black Tea Single Estate New Vithanakande OP
New Vithanakande

Elm Wood Fine Teas: https://store.elmwoodinn.com/ceylon-new-vithanakande.aspx

2. UK

Ceylon New Vithanakande Silver Tips

3. Netherlands

New Vithanakande Est FBFOP Ex Sp

4. Canada: https://distinctlytea.com/products/vithanakande-estate-bop1

5. Italy: https://www.laviadelte.com/shop/ceylon-vithanakande/

Review By Tea Snob: http://teasnob.de/new-vithanakande-fbopf-ex-sp

Above are very few, there are many more you can find if you just type “New Vithanakande” in any search engine.

About The Founder

Image Credit: Daily Mirror

Mr. Pilapitiya having served as a planter in an agency house, retired after a couple of years to take over the family-owned Vithanakande tea factory and the tea fields surrounding it. He gradually built it to a new level of excellence. This led the tea factory to be an excellent food processing factory, producing a high-quality product for which the buyers paid a premium price.

This legend nurtured the smallholder tea gardens in his Delwala village to cultivate and pluck high quality tea leaves. He thereafter spread his wings into the entirety of Kalawana area and beyond.

Mr. Pilapitiya was a part of the team that formed Private Tea Factory Owners Association which is now possibly stronger and as powerful as the Planters Association. Mr. Pilapitiya served on the committee, subsequently occupying the hot seat of Chairman 1999-2001.

At The National Tea Award Ceremony for 2017, organized by Sri Lanka Tea Board parallel to 150th Anniversary of Ceylon Tea this well renowned tea producing plant won the first place from among the large-scale tea factories in Sri Lanka.

On this occasion, the Chairman of the factory Navaratne Pilapitiya was offered a special award in appreciation of his service rendered by him during his lifetime on behalf of the tea industry.

“Tea with Nipun” would like to take this opportunity to forward heart-full Gratitude to Mr. Pilapitiya for His Valiant Effort to Uplift Pure Ceylon Tea All Around The World.

View More Tea Articles + Latest News: https://www.teawithnipun.com/

References

1.About Mr. Pilapitiya: http://www.sundaytimes.lk/190922/business-times/the-last-scion-in-the-emergence-of-the-low-country-smallholder-tea-industry-368993.html?fbclid=IwAR3NxYIDCyLP_WTZQSLZ3OlOYpNTmIOUv5_AGFOFMv5hd7w-oJioZyFaF3M

2. Image Source: http://www.ft.lk/business/New-Vithanakande-Tea-Factory-improves-all-time-record-for-OP1-Grade/34-670100

3. More Info: http://www.dailymirror.lk/article/New-Vithanakanda-Tea-Factory-wins-Best-Tea-Factory-Award-142351.html

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Nipun Wisnagalage
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Plastic Tea Bags Release Micro & Nano Particles. What’s The Solution ?

Since it’s discovery by the Chinese emperor Shen Nong, tea has refreshed the man kind for generations. This 5000 year old drink eventually became the most popular beverage in the world after water due to her amazing functional and health benefits. When it comes to innovation, tea was always behind other beverage crops like coffee. One would argue that the tea bag is the only significant innovation in the history of tea. The discovery of tea bag was also an accident in USA. Later on thanks to the discovery of pyramid tea bags, even leaf teas could enter to the convenience conscious consumer segment. But as a new study had claimed, a soothing cup of the brewed beverage may come with a dose of micro particles and nano-sized plastics shed from the bags. Possible health effects of ingesting these particles are currently unknown, the researchers say.

Research team wondered whether newly discovered plastic teabags could be releasing micro- and nano plastics / particles into the beverage during brewing. They also suppose to explore effects of the released particles on small aquatic organisms called Daphnia magna, or water fleas, which are model organisms often used in environmental studies. So there is a potential risk to human health, if you pour plastic tea bags in boiling water.

Image Credit: American Chemistry Society

I am very certain that tea lovers are already aware of the issue after going though many articles related to this mater. By the mean time, it’s worth discussing alternatives to plastic tea bags.

1. Loose Leaf Tea

Image Credit: Creative Market

There is nothing better than a steaming pot of tea made with loose leaf tea. No matter whether it’s smaller grade or a leafy tea. All you need is a proper strainer to pour and through the infusion out and sip your favorite tea.

2. Using a Metal Infuser

Schefs Premium Tea Infuser - Light Weight Stainless Steel - Large Capacity Ball with Long Spoon Handle - New Strainer Design
Image Credit: schefs.com/

For me, this is one of the best alternatives to plastic tea bags. Here you need to put your favorite tea in to the infuser (Finer grades like Dust may come out of this) and press gently while steeping.

3. Soilon Pyramid Tea Bags

Char Ceylon Supreme Pyramid Tea Bags (Biodegradable)
Image Credit: CHAR WORLD CLASS TEAS

Soilon is a bio-degradable material specially used to pack organic teas with ethical claims. This is also a kind of hard paper material. But, I can’t guarantee that this material is fully healthy. Also this can’t tolerate flavoured tea for a longer period.

I will not give you conventional filter paper tea bags or ready to drink iced tea as alternatives.

Tea consumers are wise. So it’s up to you to decide the best way to pour your “Cup of Life”.

View More Tea Articles + Latest News: https://www.teawithnipun.com/

References

1.American Chemistry Society: https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/pressroom/presspacs/2019/acs-presspac-september-25-2019/plastic-teabags-release-microscopic-particles-into-tea.html

2. History of Tea Bags: https://time.com/3996712/a-brief-history-of-the-tea-bag/

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Nipun Wisnagalage
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The United States League of Tea Growers

Even though North America is dominated by coffee, tea is emerging thanks to health and wellness trend specially among younger generation. Hawaii is known for her tea for few decades, but the passion of tea growing has already spread to USA mainland as well. Charleston tea plantation in South Carolina is the best example comes to my mind. Since USA is the No 1 viewer of “Tea with Nipun” website with 2809 users so far, I decided to bring more information on “The United States League of Tea Growers” (USLTG) for USA tea enthusiasts and of course specially for those who wish to grow tea in the US mainland.

Objectives of This reputed organization are to pass knowledge for specialty tea growing, encourage collaboration between tea growers, promote tea agriculture, recruit academia to teach “best practices” for growers, and represent US tea growers across the world.

Members, Image Credit: The United States League of Tea Growers

The US tea growers league has been made up of dedicated tea growers, educators, enthusiasts, and retailers to actively encourage growth and production of high value specialty teas within the US. They provide education, resources, and support in all facets of your tea growing journey!

There is also a Pacific North West group under the main body. Members have the privilege of doing variety of businesses that can assist them with getting camellia sinensis plants, domestically grown finished tea, and other resources for learning more about the world of tea. Main officials of USLTG are as follows,

Mark Adams – The President

Angela McDonald – The Secretary

Advisory Committee & Founding Members are Nigel Melican and Jason McDonald

So if there is anyone in the US who wish to grow tea, it’s really worth joining with this reputed tea organization.

Becomes a member: https://usteagrowers.com/join-us

View More Tea Articles + Latest News: https://www.teawithnipun.com/

References

1.The United States Tea Growers League Official Website: https://usteagrowers.com/

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Nipun Wisnagalage
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Iced Tea Popsicles to Beat The Heat

Tea has become the most popular beverage in the world after water due to so many special features of this wonderful, refreshing, calming, stimulating and healthy beverage. USA is a Coffee dominating market. But in the recent past, tea has started to emerge thanks to health and wellness trend specially among younger generation. USA tea lovers generally prefer their tea in cold form. Now it’s late summer / early autumn for North America and Europe. So this is the ideal time for them to enjoy more and more iced tea. But tea’s application goes beyond a beverage. Have you ever thought of tea Popsicles ? That would be an ideal way of refreshment during this warm period.

All you need to do is to fetch a Popsicle mold and make Ice Pops with your favorite iced tea recipe. I would like to suggest below iced tea lemonade recipe with some modifications appeared on Sri Lanka Tea Board promotion website.

Ingredients for Iced Tea Lemonade

  • 1L of water
  • 6 tbsp of Ceylon black tea leaves
  • 3 cups of cold water
  • ¾ cup of sugar made into a syrup with ¾ of cup water (Better if you can use natural honey)
  • 1 cup of fresh lemon juice (Or you can use either orange or lime based on preference.
Image Credit: wtop

Preparation:

Bring the litre of water to a boil, remove from heat and add tea leaves. Keep for 3-5 minutes. Stir and strain into a container, add the cold water and the cooled sugar syrup (Or honey). Pour in the lemon juice and mix well. Pour over ice cubes. Finally you can put the liquid in to Popsicle mold.

Also It’s better if you can add natural fruit pieces like strawberry, peach etc to enhance the taste and appearance.

Or else you can enjoy ice Pops made with The Republic of Tea’s Ginger Peach Iced Tea Popsicles recipe.

I am quite certain that this will be a great product to serve to your guests during this hot period.

View More Tea Articles + Latest News: https://www.teawithnipun.com/

References

1.Sri Lanka Tea Board Recipe: https://www.pureceylontea.com/recipe/iced-tea-lemonade/

2.The Republic of Tea’s Recipe: http://the.republicoftea.com/tea-recipes/ginger-peach-iced-tea-popsicles/

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Nipun Wisnagalage
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Lumbini Extra Fancy Black Tea from The Tea Spot

Tea was first discovered by the Chinese emperor Shen Nong about 5000 years back. Eventually it became the most popular beverage after water. But just 152 years ago, this priceless plant was first grown commercially in the island nation Sri Lanka where has been named as the best island to travel in 2019. Even though tea is an introductory plant to Sri Lanka, Ceylon Tea has been recognized as one of the finest tasting teas in the world by tea masters all over the globe. Lumbini tea factory is one the most reputed tea factories in Sri Lanka. Today I am introducing you Ceylon Lumbini Extra Fancy Black Tea sold by Colorado based tea firm “The Tea Spot“. Here I focused on a US seller since 22% of “Tea with Nipun” views are from USA.

Buy Online in USA: https://theteaspot.com/ceylon-lumbini-extra-special.html

Or Order directly from Factory: https://lumbiniteavalley.com/

Photo Credit: The Tea Spot

According to The Tea Spot, this tea has a smooth, deep flavor that is sweet with the taste of delicate flowers. This wonderful tea is grown next to the pristine UNESCO world heritage site of the Sinharaja Forest. In this picturesque landscape, the fertile soil and favorable weather produce abundant plants with sensuous leaves. According to a claim made by the ISO, Ceylon Tea is the Cleanest Tea origin in the world considering pesticide residues. United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) has also recognized Ceylon Tea as the First Ozone friendly / Ethical Tea Origin in the world. Even though Sri Lanka is a small Island, the diversity (Regional difference) of Ceylon Tea is quite amazing.  

The founder and CEO of The Tea Spot, Maria Uspenski is a cancer survivor thanks to her well planned and timely tea consumption. Her message is simple and powerful: tea in its freshest form renders premium flavor and unmatched health benefits. With a steadfast mission to foster health and wellness through tea

So, why don’t you have a try. Lumbini Extra Fancy Black Tea is Truly Amazing !! Cheers !!

View More Articles + Latest Tea News: https://www.teawithnipun.com/

References

1.Seller: https://theteaspot.com/

2.Supplier: https://lumbiniteavalley.com/

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Nipun Wisnagalage
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Ideal Source of Ceylon Tea in USA

Tea season has just begun in the US. On 10th of June, USA Tea lovers are going to celebrate “National Iced Tea Day” and on the following day (11th June), World Tea Expo is going to be held in Las Vegas. Ceylon Tea coming from the resplendent island nation Sri Lanka is recognized for her well balanced tasting profile by tea connoisseurs all over the world.

Credit: https://teaplusus.com/

Since USA is mainly a RTD Iced Tea market, Ceylon loose leaf tea is bit of a rare resource. But now, you have got a golden opportunity to purchase finest pure Ceylon Tea online via official website of “Tea Plus Ceylon”: https://teaplusus.com/. I got the idea to write about this reputed firm after seeing an article on World Tea News. TEA PLUS US company was initiated with the idea of supplying the best of Ceylon teas, spices and herbs to the US consumer. Here you have the privilege of buying Ceylon single estate tea, Black tea, Green tea, flavored tea and tea ware.

Mr.Witold, an American businessman and Mr. Jayaprakash, a Sri Lanka businessman joined forces and created two companies – one in Sri Lanka, to be an export company, and one in the US, in order to import and distribute above stuff. As Tea Plus Ceylon had highlighted, Mr.Witold has got over 2 decades of experience in business development, management and consulting. Marketing is one of his professional specialties, with focus on Digital marketing and e-commerce.

Mr. Witold was born in Eastern Europe and emigrated to USA in 1990s, he had provided his service internationally on different business ventures, bridging continents and cultures. His few visits to Sri Lanka (Ceylon) resulted in great appreciation of Sri Lanka people, culture and local hospitality. Being a passionate tea lover, Witold fell in love with Pure Ceylon Tea and discovered many different varieties and custom blends crafted by talented Sri Lankan masters.

His partner Mr.Jeyapraksh is an experienced Sri Lankan Tea Taster, with more than 2 decades of experience (Same as Mr. Witold) in Tea Trade. He has visited Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, China, India & USA to exhibit Ceylon Tea, where he delivered presentations and conducted many workshops on the manufacturing process, as well as about the health benefits of Ceylon Tea. Mr. Jeypraksh was born in Central Sri Lanka, where the most delicious and popular teas of the nation are growing. He is a master of creating Tea Blends such as Traditional blends, Single Origin blends, Other Origin blends, Fruit blends, Floral blends, Herbal blends, and own special blends.

You can also meet them at World Tea Expo to discuss more about Ceylon Tea and it’s uniqueness.

About Ceylon Tea: http://www.teawithnipun.com/2018/11/07/specialty-of-finest-pure-ceylon-tea/

Read More Tea Articles + Latest News: https://www.teawithnipun.com/

References

1.Company website: https://teaplusus.com/

2.More Info: https://worldteanews.com/tea-business-resources/your-ideal-source-for-ceylon-tea

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Nipun Wisnagalage
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Sola Iced Tea: Higher Weightage to Black Tea

In an era when Herbal Infusions are trying to emerge over tea, Sola Iced Tea based in Philippines mainly uses the most popular tea type in the world, Black Tea. The highlighting factor is out of their 7 Iced Teas , 6 varieties have been crafted using Black Tea as the main ingredient. According to their claim, the company is using only the finest real tea leaves and natural fruit flavors. But for their Apple Green Tea variety they use Green Tea extract as an ingredient. The company was established nearly 20 years ago. It took two years of product development to perfect a recipe that they believe is a true representation of the original recipe of iced tea and what the company thinks iced tea drinkers would really enjoy.

Currently, Sola has 7 Iced Tea Varieties:

  1. Lemon Iced Black Tea
  2. Peach Iced Black Tea
  3. Raspberry Iced Black Tea
  4. Apple Iced Black Tea
  5. Orange Iced Black Tea
  6. Strawberry Iced Black Tea
  7. Apple Iced Green Tea
Credit: Sola Official Website

Sola doesn’t believe they need expensive advertisements or a superstar endorsement to give their customers a truly delicious and refreshing drink; only a commitment to create special beverages of unparalleled quality for everyone to enjoy. Sola is a blend of tea leaves, natural fruit flavors, water and sugar. It is a ready to drink (RTD), non-carbonated and non-alcoholic beverage. According to company claim, this Iced Tea is real brewed using only the finest ingredients. No artificial preservatives, colors and flavors are used in the production of Sola. Other thing is this firm is promoting Black Tea health benefits by providing true facts and evidences. Green tea has been recognized as a healthy beverage all over the world. But now Black Tea benefits have also been started to claim.

Product is pasteurized and vacuum packed in a durable 473-ml glass bottle. It incorporates a safety metal cap that pops up when the original seal is broken. The water utilized for the production of SOLA undergoes a treatment called “Reverse Osmosis”. This is one of the best methods known today to purify water.

Lemon and Raspberry varieties are available in 250ml ALL ALUMINUM cans. Sola offer a can version since aluminum is one of the most recyclable materials, reducing our carbon footprint even more.

Sola Iced Teas are available at following places,

Credit: Sola Official Website

More About Sola: https://solaicedtea.com/

View More Tea Articles + Latest Tea News: http://www.teawithnipun.com/

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Nipun Wisnagalage

Evolution of Different Names for “Tea”

Chinese had been known great benefits of tea for more than 5000 years. By the time when Chinese emperor Shen Nong discovered tea, his good self would have never thought that this wonderful beverage would become the most consumed beverage in the world after water. But according to history, international trading of tea was initiated just few centuries ago. With the spread of this healthy and functional beverage, different nations started to call Tea in various names.

Credit: Visual Capitalists (https://www.visualcapitalist.com/)

As Nick Routley had published in Visual Capitalists (https://www.visualcapitalist.com/), China’s export dominance over tea influenced how people around the world refer to their steeped beverages.

If you focus on the green line of above map, the spread of tea along the Silk Route from Mandarin-speaking Northern China resulted in much of Asia (India, Iran, Turkey etc), Russia and Africa (Northern & West Africa) having similar sounding names for tea. Chá evolved into the chai widely consumed in India and surrounding areas today. Even though Assam area in India has been recognized as one of the tea origins, tea became more popular during the British rule in this subcontinent.

Other major tea trade route, through Min-speaking Southern China, spread the pronunciation that became the standard around Europe. This is why we see such striking similarities between thé (French), thee (Dutch), tee (German), té (Spanish), and tè (Italian). Tea was first shipped to Europe from Xiamen port, Fujian province, China. Even in Sri Lanka where finest quality Ceylon Teas are grown, Tea is called “thé ” in local language.

View More Tea Articles + Latest Tea News: http://www.teawithnipun.com/

References

1. Infographic: https://www.visualcapitalist.com/mapping-words-along-trade-routes/

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