China Tea’s first Australian franchise

Calling all tea lovers! We are very excited to announce that China Tea has arrived. Founded in 1949 in China, and specialising in Pu’er tea, this is the very first franchise in Australia.

The history of tea dates back to ancient China, almost 5,000 years ago. According to legend, in 2732 B.C. Emperor Shen Nong discovered tea when leaves from a wild tree blew into a pot of boiling water in his garden. Finding the flavour enjoyable, he is said to have begun researching the plant. Still, tea was originally enjoyed for its medicinal benefits.

From the 4th to 8th centuries, the popularity of tea in China grew rapidly. No longer used for medicinal properties alone, tea became valued for everyday pleasure and refreshment. As tea plantations spread throughout China, tea merchants became rich and expansive, elegant tea wares became the banner for the wealth and status of their owners.

The Chinese empire tightly controlled the preparation and cultivation of the crop. It was even specified that only young women, presumably because of their purity, were to handle the tea leaves. In fact, these young female handlers were not to eat garlic, onions, or strong spices in case the odor on their fingertips might contaminate the precious tea leaves.

Be sure to do a tasting of their famed tea at China Tea, Mandarin Centre, and watch below for more information about the history of China Tea.