There seems to a general rivalry that has developed and perpetuates between the worlds of Coffee and Tea. This seems somewhat logical, considering that they are both usually served after meals, both usually share the same supermarket space and both are developing gourmet markets from more commercial pasts.
Such tight competition is sure to bring animosities. To win the market, these industries have tried their hardest to put as much distance between each other as possible. Coffee often touts its ability to energize, while characterizing tea as a drink for the sick. Tea, on the other hand, boasts amazing health benefits, while painting Coffee as a stomach-destroying poison. In this article we'll put aside our differences and discuss the similarities between the two hottest drinks available.
Both Coffee and Tea have legendary pasts. Tea was discovered by the ancient Chinese ruler Shen Nung, when a fateful leaf fell into his boiling water. The similarly serendipitous story of Coffee dates back to the 1400's, when a Yemeni shepherd named Kaldi noticed that his sheep began to act unusually frisky after eating berries from an unfamiliar plant. Curious, Kaldi picked one and popped it into his mouth. Within a few minutes, he was as hyperactive as a kid after Halloween (well, Halloween wasn't practiced in Yemen, but you get the point). He told of his discovery of this stimulating shrub to a nearby town (called "Mocha") and its fame quickly spread.
Amazingly, the history of the two followed nearly identical paths. Coffee and tea were introduced to England within seven years of each other. Both were first enjoyed under the reign of Charles II (nicknamed "Milk and Sugar Charlie" for his fondness for these additions to both the drinks). In 1652, the first coffeehouse opened in England - the same year the first tea samples arrived to the country. Tea, however, became the favorite due to the fact that it was easier to make.
Now, let's examine the two scientifically. Both Tea and Coffee plants are members of the evergreen family. If allowed to grow naturally, both would develop into fairly large trees. But both plants are kept trimmed to the height of a shrub, so they can be manageably harvested. Both plants produce a drink whose flavor is subtly affected by the growing conditions, such as soil condition, moisture, surrounding vegetation, etc. Both Coffee and Tea have been naturally imparted with a chemical that provides stimulation, caffeine. Also, both drinks come from dried versions of a part of the plant. Finally, both use very similar methods of preparation.
In the US, Coffee is the #1 hot drink. This title was usurped from tea relatively recently following the explosion of coffee houses. Fifteen years or so ago, when all that was readily available were low-grade coffees such as Sanka, the market was relatively equal. Then, with the surge of the popular coffee houses and America’s obsession with finding the best roast on the best bean, and, in turn, the roasters giving it to them, coffee popularity increased.
Worldwide, tea is still the first choice in hot beverages, but this is merely a matter of personal taste.
Whatever drink you may prefer, make sure you choose based on quality. By supporting those purveyors that are striving for quality, you'll raise the bar for the trade as a whole.
