The history of green tea dates back thousands of years, beginning in ancient China, where the tea plant Camellia sinensis was first cultivated. According to legend, green tea was discovered around 2737 BCE by Emperor Shen Nong, who accidentally boiled water containing tea leaves. Intrigued by the aroma and taste, he is said to have enjoyed its refreshing qualities and later realized its medicinal benefits. From then on, green tea became a staple in Chinese culture, both as a beverage and a healing tonic. By the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE), green tea was already being enjoyed in various forms, and by the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE), it became widely accessible, cementing its role in Chinese life.
