One day, during his research, the emperor swallowed a poisonous plant. However, a drop of water from a branch of the tea plant fell into his mouth and, due to its healing properties, was enough to save his life. According to the story.
Tea has long been used as a medicinal plant because of its therapeutic properties. During the Western Zhou dynasty, on the other hand, it was used as a religious offering. During spring and autumn, fresh tea leaves were considered vegetables and were consumed during meals. With the spread of Buddhism, from the Three Kingdoms to the northern and southern dynasties, due to its refreshing properties, tea became a popular product among monks during Zazen meditation.
The use of tea as a beverage, as well as the proliferation of shops dedicated to its sale, are phenomena that began during the Tang era. The compilation of the "Classic of Tea" by Lu Yu, also known as the "Tea Sage," dates back to this period. It is a cornerstone of tea culture in China.
The tea culture in the Song era is characterized by refinement and splendor. Additionally, during this same period, there was a significant enhancement in the techniques for preparing the beverage.
In the Qing era, popular art reached tea shops, turning them into real entertainment centers. This character still remains in the tradition of Chengdu city in Sichuan province.
Finally, in the Ming era, the theoretical and practical foundations for processing and differentiating tea varieties were established, as well as the methods of preparation that have survived to this day.
