2737 BC - While the great Emperor of China, Shennong, was drinking a bowl of boiled water, the wind blew through the branches of a nearby tree, gently caressing the leaves. A few of these were carried into a joyful dance through the fresh perfumed air and fell into the bowl changing the colour of the water. Awed by its scent, the emperor took a sip and knew that instant he had received a gift meant to be shared and cherished. The flavour of what before was just water, was now restorative and subtle, inspiring and calming to the inner self.

China has the earliest records of tea drinking, dating back to the first millennium BC, yet throughout the years tea was also known in the northern part of Burma, and slowly became a noble symbol of tradition and a source of health and teaching, a companion for rest and meditation. Tea was grown and processed in India, Sri Lanka, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, becoming an intricate part of Asian culture. It conquered the hearts and minds of Europe where it was imported by Britain in 1660 following the marriage of King Charles II with the Portuguese princess Catherine of Braganza who brought the custom of drinking tea to the court.

Tea spread to the world and through its processing it gave birth to a multitude of sortments. The different flavours and bouquets were the background of prayer in Buddhist temples and Ashrams, and the variety of health effects were the basis of early Chinese medicine during the Han dinasty. Accross distances, beyond time and space the gift of wind and trees, of sun and seasons was received and cherished.