Tea has a long and fascinating history in Portugal. Even though tea is more commonly associated with England in Europe, its origins lie in Portugal. The invention of the British ‘Five O'Clock Tea’ is also due to the Portuguese, more precisely to Catherine of Braganza. The poet Edmund Waller dedicated the following poem about Portugal to Catherine of Braganza on her birthday:
‘The best of Queens, and best of herbs, we owe
To that bold nation, which the way did show
To the fair region where the sun doth rise,
Whose rich productions we so justly prize.’
But back to the history of tea in Portugal. Tea was first introduced in the 16th century by Portuguese traders returning from Asia. They brought the tea plant with them, which they planted on the mountain slopes of the Azores, where the climate was ideal for its cultivation. Tea from Portugal was prized for its unique flavour and excellent quality. In the 18th and 19th centuries, tea culture grew in Portugal and tea became an important export product. To this day, tea is an integral part of Portuguese culture and daily life.
Portugal has a long tradition of tea cultivation, especially in the Azores. The diversity of tea varieties is correspondingly impressive. The Azores are home to the only tea plantations in Europe, located in the mineral-rich Gorreana hills in the north of the island of São Miguel. The green island, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and blessed with a subtropical climate, offers ideal conditions for the cultivation of first-class black and green tea. The unique combination of climate and soil quality produces high-quality teas here, including organic teas.
Tea plants are also grown to a lesser extent on the Portuguese mainland. The variety of teas ranges from green tea to black tea and oolong. Especially when buying tea from Portugal, you can benefit from this large selection. In addition to the main varieties (green and black tea from the Azores), Portugal also offers flavoured teas as well as herbal and fruit teas, such as lemon or peppermint tea. Portuguese chamomile tea is particularly popular and its unique flavour is highly appreciated by tea lovers. So there is a lot to discover when you choose Portuguese tea!
We source our tea from the Lisbon Tea Company, which is based in Lisbon. Lisbon Tea Co. has
has established itself as one of Portugal's leading tea brands by selecting the best teas from around the world. As an innovative company, Lisbon Tea Co. is constantly developing new tea blends that are inspired by the regions they come from and tell the stories of their travels through their flavours. Whether you prefer a classic organic black tea or tea from the Azores, a refreshing green tea or an exotic blend such as white tea with peach or ginger passion fruit tea, the Lisbon Tea Company has something for everyone. Indulge your senses and discover the world of tea from Portugal
