India and Chai: The Interesting History of Tea, Its Origin, Economy Contribution, and More
Indian Tea History: You must’ve heard the phrase “Chai is an emotion.” For Indians, it is far beyond being just a beverage. We can’t start our day until we get the “morning chai,” which actually rushes the human adrenaline and makes us ready to work the whole day. We Indians have mastered the art of chai, be it the OG “Adrak-Elaichi Chai” or the “Tandoori Chai.” However, it seems heartbreaking when someone tells us that Chai is not originally from India. Well yes, the bitter truth is that the most beloved chai was brought by the British in India’s Colonial Period. Let us know more about the history of tea plantations and how they contribute to the Indian Economy.
Tea Contribution to Indian Economy
The British took Camellia sinensis saplings from China in the mid-1800s and carried them to India, initially planting them in the northern Indian town of Saharanpur, near Kumaon (where most of our single-origin tea blooms). The Indian tea business is one of the most booming industries in the world, as India is the world’s second-largest producer of tea. India’s worldwide footprint in tea is substantial, and it has an intriguing history. India is also one of the world’s top tea-drinking countries, with the local population eating 80% of the tea produced in the country.
