By: Sherifat A. Mohammed 

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It’s cold outside. You find yourself dead in the middle of winter. You love the smell of coffee, but you are not a fan of drinking it. January marks national hot tea month. ATL Plus Magazine will spill the tea on four tea spots serving hot tea throughout the Atlanta-metro area. 

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Tea has a long history in many traditions and cultures. The history of drinking hot tea spans thousands of years and is deeply intertwined with the cultural, medicinal, and social practices of civilizations around the world. Here's a brief overview of its origins and evolution:

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Origins of Tea Drinking (China, ~2737 BCE)

• Legend of Emperor Shen Nong: Tea is believed to have originated in China. According to legend, Emperor Shen Nong, known as the "Divine Farmer," discovered tea accidentally when leaves from a tea tree fell into his boiling water. He found the resulting drink refreshing and invigorating.
• Initially, tea was consumed for its medicinal properties, used as a remedy for various ailments.

Development in China (Tang and Song Dynasties)

• During the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE):some text
  • Tea drinking became an integral part of Chinese culture, with the elite enjoying it as a sophisticated beverage.
  • The first written work on tea, "The Classic of Tea" (Chá Jīng) by Lu Yu, was composed, detailing tea cultivation and preparation.
• During the Song Dynasty (960–1279 CE):some text
  • Whisking powdered tea became a popular method of preparation, a precursor to Japan's matcha culture.
  • Tea houses emerged, becoming hubs of social interaction.

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Introduction to Japan (Early 9th Century)

• Buddhist monks brought tea from China to Japan as part of their religious practices.
• By the 12th century, Eisai, a Zen Buddhist monk, popularized powdered green tea (matcha) for its health benefits and role in meditation.
• The Japanese tea ceremony (Chanoyu) evolved as a spiritual and artistic ritual.

Spread to Central and South Asia

• Tea cultivation spread to regions like India, where it grew wild in Assam, though it was not widely consumed until much later.
• In Tibet, tea became a staple in the form of butter tea, blended with yak butter and salt for sustenance in the high-altitude regions.

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Tea in the Middle East and Central Asia

• Introduced through the Silk Road, tea became a part of Middle Eastern culture.
• In Persia (modern-day Iran) and Turkey, tea drinking rituals became central to hospitality.

Introduction to Europe (16th–17th Century)

• Portuguese and Dutch traders brought tea to Europe in the early 1600s.
• Initially a luxury item, tea was consumed by the aristocracy in countries like the Netherlands and England.
• In England, tea gained popularity in the 17th century, especially after Catherine of Braganza, a Portuguese princess, married King Charles II and introduced tea to the royal court.
• The British East India Company capitalized on tea trade, securing supplies from China.

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Tea in the Americas

• Tea reached the American colonies in the 17th century, becoming a popular beverage.
• The Boston Tea Party (1773) marked tea as a symbol of resistance during the American Revolution, following a dispute over British-imposed taxes on tea.

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British Colonial Influence in India

• In the 19th century, the British developed tea plantations in Assam and Darjeeling to break China's monopoly.
• Indian teas became central to British tea culture, and masala chai (spiced tea) emerged as a beloved drink in India.

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Modern Tea Culture

• Global Diversity: Different cultures have developed unique tea traditions, such as:some text
  • English Afternoon Tea (19th century) with scones and sandwiches.
  • Moroccan Mint Tea, a symbol of hospitality.
  • Russian Samovar Tea, using a special urn for preparation.
• Health Renaissance: In recent decades, tea's health benefits have gained renewed attention, with herbal teas, green tea, and matcha becoming popular worldwide.

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Key Milestones in Tea Preparation

• Tea Bags (1904): Invented by Thomas Sullivan, making tea preparation more convenient.
• Iced Tea (1904): Popularized in the U.S. at the St. Louis World's Fair.
• Instant Tea (20th Century): Made tea preparation faster, particularly for commercial use.

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Now that you have some history on tea, let us spill the tea. Here are four hot tea spots in Atlanta:

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1). Just Add Honey Tea Company 

Just Add Honey Tea Company was founded in 2003 by Brandi Shelton as a way to connect her hometown of Atlanta and with destinations she visited around the world through tearooms.You can find Just Add Honey Tea Company, in between Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park on the East side beltline trail. You can grab a book or some friends and enjoy loose tea, gifts, tea accessories, and locally sourced treats at this black-owned tea spot.

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2). The Dirty Tea 

The Dirty Tea is an upscale afternoon tea, coffee and champagne restaurant. The establishment was founded in 2020 by a mother and daughter duo. You can enjoy tea, pastries and sandwiches. 

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3). Dr. Bombay’s Underwater Tea Party

Dr. Bombay’s Underwater Tea Party is a tea house and coffee shop located in Candler Park. If you are in the mood for a more eccentric feel, you can try this establishment. At this tea spot you can find vintage furniture decor, and a bookshop.

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4). Jayida Che Herbal Tea Spot 

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Jayida Ché, means good tea, and was created by Aleathia and Mariyah. They opened their first tea spot in 2016 in the historic Ormewood neighborhood. This location is closed and they have their headquarters in the historic Pittsburgh neighborhood. You can also find this black-owned business on Fayetteville Road in East Atlanta. 

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Studies have shown that drinking hot tea has many benefits. Drinking hot tea offers a range of health benefits, depending on the type of tea you consume. Many teas are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to overall well-being. Here are five key benefits:

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1. Boosts Immune System

Herbal teas like ginger, chamomile, and green tea contain antioxidants and antimicrobial properties that help strengthen the immune system.

Teas with Vitamin C, such as lemon or hibiscus tea, can further support immune defense.

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2. Improves Digestion

Peppermint tea soothes the digestive system and reduces bloating. Ginger tea can alleviate nausea and promote gut health. Warm liquid can relax the digestive tract, easing discomfort after meals.

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3. Rich in Antioxidants

Green tea, white tea, and oolong tea are packed with catechins and polyphenols, which combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation. Antioxidants help protect against chronic diseases like heart disease and certain cancers.

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4. Promotes Heart Health

Black tea and green tea have been linked to improved cholesterol levels and reduced risk of heart disease. The flavonoids in tea can help maintain healthy blood vessels and lower blood pressure.

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5. Aids Relaxation and Reduces Stress

Chamomile tea promotes relaxation and better sleep by reducing anxiety and calming the nervous system.

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By incorporating hot tea into your daily routine, you can enjoy its soothing effects and health advantages!

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