: Does anybody know anything about the history of tea-drinking. Was herb tea commonly drunk before trade routes to the East were opened? I suppose it must have been, but have no evidence to support this. I don't remeber ever coming across any mediaevil tea-cups....

: can anybody help.

: But of course, even if such things didn't exist, that doesn't imply they shouldn't have done in Middle-earth

Herb tea did not become popular in Europe until circa 1650 A.D. and then it was only bought by the rich (being worth about $100 USD per pound . . . that's a nice cup of Earl Grey!!) Below is a link to a nice little history of tea.

Though you are right, just because it was part of our reality doesn't mean there is any basis for it in ME. Though, the cultivation of tea was NOT done in tropical regions.

-RR
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Tea Facts