The history of Tea. Camellia Sinensis, the common tea plant, was first cultivated in China from weed seeds which were brought from India.

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1 The history of Tea Camellia Sinensis, the common tea plant, was first cultivated in China from weed seeds which were brought from India. Tea was consumed in the big country for approximately 5 thousand years, but remained completely unknown to the West, until the 13th century, until Marco Polo started his trips to the East. A myth going back to 2737 b.c deals with it s true discovery. The emperor Shen Nung, a great connoisseur of herbs and scholar was resting under a tree, while his servants were boiling water for his bath. When the leaves of a tree -a wild tall bush- fell into the boiling water Tea was created. The earliest reference to Tea in Europe appears in 1559 b.c. The unknown beverage first came to the Mediterranean with the Arabs and through the Venetians was spread everywhere. Imaret presents some of Fortnum and Mason and Mariage Freres most popular tea blends. 8* Per person, including a selection of seasonal biscuits, a cucumber sandwich and traditional English fresh scones served with cream and strawberry jam.

2 British etiquette For almost 300 years Fortnum and Mason have offered the ultimate in luxury to the British gourmand and they are renowned the world over for their outstanding range of teas.

3 ~ BLACK TEA Assam Superb Assam tea grows in the steamy conditions of the Brahmaputra valley and is one of the oldest varieties. The leaves are harvested during the first flush, providing a full bodied malty flavor. Preferably drunk in the morning. Queen Ann Tea Created by Fortnum and Mason in 1907, this blend of teas comes from the finest gardens of Assam and Ceylon. Produces a strong and smooth taste suitable for all day drinking. Royal Blend First blended for King Edward the 7th in the summer of 1902, Royal Blend, blends Assam with a touch of Ceylon for a smooth honey like taste. It can be drunk all day with milk. Russian Caravan Tea A blend of China Black and Oolong teas, Russian Caravan recalls the ancient trading routes that brought tea to the Tsars. Darjeeling Broken Orange Pekoe This tea comes from the foothills of Himalayas. Redder than usual infusion that manages to combine real body with a light delicate taste. Ideal for afternoon drinking. Ceylon Orange Pekoe After being freshly picked, this tea is pan heated, rolled, re-dried and then shaped in 4-8 h. Lapsang Souchong Classic blend of China's Fujian province. The plucked leaves are placed in bamboo baskets and smoked over smoldering fires from particular pine trees. Rose and Violet Pouchong Pouchong is a semi fermented black leaf tea from the Guangdong Province with the addition of rose or violet petals for a fragrant delicate flavor, preferably accompanying light food.

4 Earl Grey Classic British Prime Minister Earl Grey gave his name to this hugely popular tea back in the 1830s, and ever since it has been thought of as a classic English afternoon tea. It is not a type of tea, but a flavor, made up of simple black tea flavored with aromatic and stimulating oil of bergamot. Fortmason Tea This blend of Indian and China teas is also perfumed with the delicate aroma of orange blossom to produce a subtle, floral flavor. Black Tea with fruits For a quick yet highly refreshing drink, our fruitflavored black teas are swiftly producing a delicious and invigorating infusion. ~ GREEN TEA Green Earl Grey A blend of oriental green teas delicately scented with bergamot oil. Jasmine Dawn-picked jasmine flowers open towards the end of the day to release their heady scent. Gunpowder Fortnum's has stocked this green tea continuously since the 18th century, which says a great deal about its likeability. Green Ceylon Tea A pleasantly vigorous green tea. Once picked, the leaves are pan-fired before being rolled to give their distinctive appearance.

5 Le THÉ à la Française Imaret vous invite à un voyage nostalgique dans le monde de Mariage Frères et révèle un art particulièrement français

6 THÉS NOIRS Nil Noir Black tea with raspberry and sunflower blossoms discreetly flavored with cardamom. Thé de Lune This black tea combines the unique fragrances of red pepper, citrus and vanilla. French Breakfast Tea Classic A tea that combines unparalleled flavors of chocolate and malt spirits for a Parisian breakfast. Darjeeling Rose Camelia A sophisticated black tea with aromas of ripe fruit and rose. Earl Grey Imperial Among the major classical tastes, a rich spring tea with bergamot aromas THÉS VERTS Thé vert au Tibet This particular blend of green tea with the essence of vanilla, Bourbon, jasmine, mandarin, rose and bergamot, was refreshing the caravans which traversed the mountains of Tibet. Thé vert Marco Polo Green tea specially selected for the hidden fruit and floral aromas of China and Tibet, which created the reputation of Marco Polo tea. Iskandar Dedicated to Alexander the Great (Iskandar in Persian language), Pharaoh of Egypt and conqueror of Asia and India, born leader and political genius. Pharaon Perfect mix of green tea and fruit from the Nile Delta in which mango and pineapple grow.

7 THÉS - MOUSSELINE de COTON Sultane Ceylan Traditional breakfast blend of fine Ceylon teas. Pithy black tea with a light chocolate flavor. Pleine Lune Rich black tea flavored with exotic fruits, rare spices and the sweet taste of honey. Thé sur le Nil Green tea with citrus fruit from forgotten lands and refined spices. IMARET S HIGH TEA for two A light and full meal early in the afternoon, with a steamed cup of tea from Imaret's rich selection or even a glass of champagne. Accompanied by scones with fresh cream and marmalades, tea sandwiches and cake. Add a glass of Champagne or a Gin and Tonic for a more fulfilling experience. Casablanca Perfect combination of green tea leaves with Moroccan mint and Sicilian bergamot flavor. The ultimate meeting with the East. Thé A L' Opera Green tea with essence of red fruits, spices and vanilla. Rouge Sahara Red tea of South Africa without theine, with mint and rose blossom flavor.