Another legend attributes the discovery of tea to a Buddhist monk, Bodhi Dharma. He traveled to China as a missionary, and vowed to meditate day and night without sleeping. He did this for seven years, until one day he accidentally fell asleep. When he awoke, he was so distraught that he tore off his eyelids to prevent him for dozing again. It is said that the first tea plant grew in the ground where his eyelids fell.

This is the first and most likely the only time I will share this story. It is not nearly as visually appealing when explaining the history of tea!

When I give tea presentations, I often start with the story of how tea came to be. Many of you might know the Chinese legend that attributes the first cup of tea 5000 years ago to Emperor Shen Nung, a scientist and herbalist. During his many travels, he rested under a tree while boiling water to drink. A breeze caused some of the leaves from above him to drift into his pot. When he eyed the golden brew he carefully took a sip and found it refreshing and energizing. Thus, tea was born!
But, there is another story that I have never told…

“Savor the moment, says tea: appreciate me for what I am. Calm down and drink me; life is too precious to waste. Wait for me to steep, delight in my fragrance, and watch the steam rise from my cup. Appreciate your friends, or the silence reflecting your thoughts. When you are ready, take a sip, feel the glow of my sweet warmth, and make a wish.”

Welcome to my blog! What a harsh word to describe such a delightful subject as tea.
I love tea! It warms me in the winter and refreshes me in the summer. I am so happy to have been given the opportunity to create Sterling Tea.
Although I am pretty fearful of blogging, my passion for the leaf will hopefully shine through as I make my best attempt to offer tea trends and tips to my tea family!