Myanmar people believed that tea growing
was first initiated and introduced during the Bagan era.
Legend has it that King Alaung Sithu (AD 1113-1167) on his
majestic royal tour to Namhsan, a small town in Northern
Shan State, presented some tea seeds to the local Palaung
people in that area. From then onwards, tea growing
increases rapidly and flourishes throughout Myanmar in areas
with favorable climatic condition. Tea plays a strong role
in the culture and daily life of Myanmar people. Here in
Myanmar it is customarily to serve traditional green tea and
pickled tea, a unique Myanmar tea available only in Myanmar,
in Royal ceremonies during the periods of Myanmar Kings, and
until now in major social ceremonies. Black tea consumption
also has increased significantly nowadays. This coupled with
the traditional custom ensure, beyond doubt, a regular
favorable domestic tea market in Myanmar. |
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