Tea is one of the oldest and most widely consumed beverages in the world, with a history that dates back centuries. But before tea became so popular, what did people drink?
The answer to this question depends on where you look in history and around the world. In certain cultures, there were drinks made from ingredients such as honey or fruit juices, while other regions relied on alcohol for refreshment. Here is an overview of some of the more common beverages around the world prior to tea’s emergence.
In ancient Greek and Roman culture, wine was a major part of everyday life. It was seen as more than just a beverage; it was also thought to be medicinal and was believed to have the power of cleansing. Wine was also used in ceremonies, much like tea is today.
In the Middle East and North Africa, coffee was consumed heavily during mediaeval times. Coffee beans were roasted and then boiled in water, much like how tea is prepared today. Coffee quickly became an important social drink, with coffeehouses popping up in cities throughout these regions as early as the 15th century.
Kvass was a traditional Russian drink made from fermented bread or flour which dates back to the 10th century AD. It had a low alcohol content and was usually served cold or at room temperature. Kvass remained popular until vodka gained more popularity in the 16th century.
In ancient Egypt, beer made from barley and emmer wheat was enjoyed. It was mostly brewed by women, although men also drank it. Beer was seen as a gift from the gods and it had many uses, such as in religious ceremonies.
In South America before tea, the beverage of choice was mate or yerba mate. This is an herbal tea made from the leaves of a type of holly tree that is grown mainly in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. The drink has high levels of caffeine and is said to be beneficial for health. It can be served hot or cold and it's usually shared among friends with one person pouring drinks for everyone else around them.
Before tea became popular all over the world, there were many different kinds of drinks, depending on where you looked in history and around the world. Some cultures relied on wine while others made coffee-like drinks or brewed beer. Other cultures drank mate, an herbal tea made from a type of holly tree native to South America. Whether these beverages were medicinal or just for enjoyment, it’s clear that people had plenty of options before tea gained popularity.
Before tea became the go-to drink that we all know and love today, there was no shortage of popular beverages around the world. People enjoyed beer and wine in ancient Greece and Rome, coffee in regions in the Middle East and North Africa, kvass in Russia, and mate or yerba mate in South America. While tea is now the most popular beverage, we have a lot to thank the cultures that came before us for their delicious and varied drinks.