Camellia sinensis is an evergreen plant and grows in tropical to sub-tropical climates. In addition to tropical climates (at least 50 inches of rainfall a year), it also prefers acidic soils. Many high quality tea plants grow at elevations up to 1500 meters (5,000 feet), as the plants grow more slowly and acquire a better flavor. Only the top 1-2 inches of the mature plant are picked. These buds and leaves are called flushes, and a plant will grow a new flush every seven to ten days during the growing season.

From the earliest days, tea brought people together. The wealthy, the ordinary and even a poor visited the new tea gardens that opened in the 18th century London Modeled on a Dutch idea of taking tea outside, people could walk and be entertained, dine and drink tea in private summer houses.

Tea was a great leveler outside London. Servants in Britain’s great houses had tasted tea, and by the mid 18th century many
servant had their wages calculated to include a tea allowance. Mill owners and land owners began to provide tea for workers as a more productive alternative to ale and spirits. Smuggling played an important part in bringing tea to the masses. Smuggled tea could be had for half the price of official tea.

A 19th century report – the commission of Excise on Smuggling – estimated that nearly US$ 1.7 million was lost annually in revenues on smuggled tea, an immense sum for that time.

In 1833 the Last India Company monopoly was ended. Taxes on tea were successively reduced, new cheaper teas arrived from India, Ceylon and consumption soared. Tea was now for everyone. A unique blend of necessity, pleasure and luxury.