Student Presenter: Jacqueline Sung
Faculty Mentor: Patty K. Wongpakdee
School/College: Architecture and Design, Manhattan

Tea was discovered accidentally by Emperor Shen Nung in 2732 BC when a leaf from a wild tree fell in his pot of boiling water. He named the brew “cha”, the Chinese character meaning to check or investigate. (茶) As foreign trade increased, Chinese growers discovered that they could preserve tea leaves with a special fermentation process. The resulting black tea kept its flavor and aroma longer than the more delicate green teas and was better equipped for export journeys to other countries. Now, tea is consumed world-wide as the most consumed beverage after water. Shipments come in and out of different countries. Here is some information about the global happenings of tea along with some of its benefits!