Share
Tea has been enjoyed by many cultures around the world for centuries, and it remains a popular beverage today. And it was probably in China, as part of a medicinal concoction, that the practice of brewing tea was first developed. It was during the Shang Dynasty that this was first mentioned in writing (1600 BC–1046 BC). By the third century BC, during the Qin Dynasty, it had gained some popularity. Legend has it that the teabag, which simplifies the process of making tea, was discovered by accident. It's a remarkable story that begins in the early 1900s, and it's sure to fascinate any tea lover.
Another story that is perhaps not so widespread yet more provable goes something like this: seven years before the "accidental teabag" even burst on the scene, two tea-loving ladies living 1400 km away came up with the patented design for the first teabag that worked perfectly but never really took off, nor did they get any sort of credit or recognition. So, which story is true—the accidental discovery or the purposeful invention? Well, you decide. The fascinating story of how teabags were discovered by accident is a tale that is celebrated and debated even today.
The Accidental Discovery Story
The purported origins of the teabag can be traced back to New York in the early 1900s. Large tea companies would sell their products loose in large quantities. Consumers could then use their own teapots, strainers, and tea caddies, but it was a tedious process that took a lot longer than it does today.
Enter Thomas Sullivan, the son of a tea merchant who is widely credited with inventing and commercially selling the modern teabag as we now know it. Thomas is said to have sent out free samples of his wares in silk pouches in 1908. He didn't expect his customers to put the samples directly into the hot water, but some did anyway, and the practice stuck. Further, Sullivan's sales were boosted when he started sending customers small silk bags filled with free samples of the various types of tea he offered.
The Purposeful Invention Story
On the other hand, seven years before their use became commonplace, two intrepid women, Roberta C. Lawson and Mary Molaren of Milwaukee, patented a "tea leaf holder" that was strikingly similar to the modern version. These Wisconsin women invented the "tea-leaf holder" to brew just one cup of tea at a time, as opposed to the traditional method of using a tea pot.
The women described their invention quite impressively: "The leaves shall be held together against separating and being dispersed through the infusion to be drunk up, which would spoil the pleasure of the drink," it said in the patent. "Yet the leaves must be so held together as to be exposed fully to the water poured thereon in the cup, so that their qualities shall be freely given off and taken up by the water to produce the desired infusion."
On March 24, 1903, roughly two years after the woman's patent application, it was approved. It appears, however, that they were unable to bring this to market, at least not on a large enough scale to be recorded historically.
While the story is enthralling, in all fairness, the jury is still out regarding who first invented the tea bag.
The Impact Of The Teabag On The Tea Industry
As the popularity of teabags grew, manufacturers started to use smaller bags, and this allowed the tea leaves to be exposed to water more evenly. This change in the way tea was consumed had a major impact on the tea industry, and the teabag was soon distributed worldwide.
The Popularity Of Teabags Today
Consumers are now able to make tea in as little as two minutes, which is much faster than it takes to brew loose tea. This can be attributed to a few things: they’re very easy to make, convenient if you’re in a rush, or if you don’t have your own tea infuser.
The Environmental Impact Of Teabags
The environmental impact of teabags is a controversial topic, as they may not be as environmentally friendly as some people think. The main problem with teabags is that they’re not biodegradable, and the majority of teabags are made from non-organic materials. A few years ago, a report on a BBC Radio 4 show put teabags under the microscope and found that if you leave teabags in a compost pile, they will never break down. In fact, they can be toxic to plants and may also emit toxic fumes. When it comes to the environment, loose tea leaves are obviously more biodegradable than teabags.
Is it safe to say that teabags aren't everyone's cup of tea? One thing, though, is certain: whether by chance or design, the invention of the tea bag changed the tea industry forever.
