Tea in the History of America

Tea drink was introduced to Americans when America was still a colony under the control of England. Historians noted that the Dutch settlers in New Amsterdam (now is New York) were the first to drink tea in America.

Tea gradually moved from New Amsterdam to Massachusetts by the end of 17th century. Tea was officially sold to the public in 1690.

When New Amsterdam changed its name to New York in 1674, many tea gardens were constructed around the city for people to enjoy.

The time came when the supply of tea was low and the demand was high, England then increased the tax for tea in America.

How tea become a lucrative business?

Americans loved tea, but were very angry about the high tax. The famous BOSTON tea party took place in 1773. America took back its political independence as well as trading freedom.

Americans businessmen started to venture into tea industry in China. By the end of 18th century in the tea history, Thomas Perkins was the first to initiate America's tea trading with China. Perkins was a businessman from Boston. He saw a golden opportunity as tea began to gain its popularity in America.

Thomas Perkins built ships that were able to sail faster than English's ships. Not only that, American's ships could also transport more and heavier tea cargos from China back to America.

No one knew what was it about Perkins but he was able to initiate trade with China without any signed or written contract. It's amazing how he could manage to exchange large quantity of tea and gold with just verbal promises.

Perkins was right. Tea trading at this time of the tea history was very profitable. Perkins could profit as much as 90 % on each of the trades.

It's unbelievable if Perkins was the only one who saw such golden opportunity. Many others also did.

Who is Stephen Girard and how tea made him rich?

One business goes by the name Stephen Girard. He originated from Philadelphia. Girard was a very wealthy man. He was believed to help American government in the 1812 war.

As the American's tea trading continued smoothly, Americans was able to acquire not only high quality but also affordable tea.

What are the new versions of tea in America?

As tea became a common drink in America, people started to invent new way to drink tea. The first contribution of Americans to the tea history is Iced tea.

Richard Blechynden invented it in summer 1904. It was hot and Richard's teahouse did not have any customer. He added ice to make his hot tea cool. His shop later became very successful because of this new invention.

Tea bags are another contribution of Americans to the tea history. The inventor of tea bags was Thomas Sullivan. He had a tea business in New York. He tried to promote his tea by giving out samples.

Thomas crushed the whole-leaf tea into tiny bits. He then put into a tiny bag with lots of little holes.

But whole-leaf tea is higher quality. This kind of tea can preserve the taste and all of the essence of tea. Crushed tealeaves are thought of lower quality, but it's convenient as taste samples.