THE GREEN TEA TRADITION
 
Legend in China says that the tea was discovered accidentally by Shen Nong, the Divine Cultivator, approximately 4,500 years ago. He is credited with inventing agriculture and the use of Chinese herbs. One day, leaves of the tea plant fell into water he was boiling outside his house. He liked the drink, found it to be a healthy beverage, and the tea was associated with some green teas, whether steeped for a few minutes or longer. It is prepared from high quality green tea leaves. The freshly picked tea leaves are gently heated and then dried. This treatment stops the processes that would change the nutrients and keeps the tea leaves green. It also preserves the fresh, smooth taste, inviting aroma and light color of the brewed tea. Considerable interest in green tea has contributed to its increasing popularity as a refreshing, soothing and uplifting tea. People worldwide have begun to enjoy it as a delicious beverage, just as people in Asia do. Enjoy this smooth, delightful tea hot or iced.