Tea is considered to be one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world over decades. Its origins can be traced back to ancient China, where it is believed Emperor Shen Nung sitting under the shade of a wild tea tree, was drinking hot water, when a breeze swept a few leaves from the tree to drop into the pot, bestowing the water with a flavor which the Emperor found delicious. The Emperor later found it to have medicinal characteristics/qualities and urged the Chinese people to cultivate the plant. Therefore, tea was first used as a medicinal purpose, and then as a drink to have as a leisure.
Centuries down the lane, Chinese merchants changed the way of making tea by roasting the leaves which would prevent them from rotting. These leaves were laid in fresh air to oxidize, which produced a rich Black tea. This tea was majorly used as a product for export.