Tea Blog - Learn All About Tea — Japan

The American revolution was not the only war fought over tea.  Britain also fought two separate wars with China in the 19th century, over trade disputes about obtaining tea.  The first Opium war lasted from 1839-1842. China was reluctant to trade with Britain, having seen what  happens to most of the other nations which opened themselves up to trade, which is to say, imperialism, colonialism, and general exploitation.  Their economy was pretty self-sufficient, and they frankly didn’t need what the English offered.  However, the Chinese did open themselves up to a limited amount of trade, only to the British, only...

The Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival  Every spring all across Japan, as the weather gets warmer, there is great anticipation for the blooming of the Cherry Blossoms which marks the passing of winter and the arrival of spring.  The anticipation is just like when you were in school and counted down the days to summer vacation or counted the days to Christmas. You just couldn't wait for it happen.   When the trees blossom, the party begins. All over Japan people flock to parks to sit under the trees and take in spring and the joy of winter passing.Having lived in Japan as a...

Thousands of years ago. When tea started to become a popular drink, Chinese Buddhist monks discovered that drinking tea helped with their daily meditation. Meditation, they believed, was the source of all enlightenment.  If you have ever meditated, you've discovered that it is not easy. Your mind drifts off into distraction and perhaps you even start to nod off. You're not alone.  The ancient monks also encountered these barriers to nirvana.  A Solution Is Found The monks discovered that drinking tea helped them with their daily meditation. They discovered that tea packed a one-two punch of caffeine and L-Theanine. Although they lacked scientific proof,...