The love affair between the United Kingdom and black tea stretches back over three centuries. Though tea originated in China and was initially consumed as green tea, black tea became the beverage of choice in Britain. This transformation began in the 17th century when the British East India Company started importing tea from China, and it gained widespread popularity among the British elite. By the 18th century, tea had become a daily staple, but black tea quickly surpassed green tea in popularity due to its longer shelf life, bolder taste, and compatibility with milk and sugar, which became the British preference.
In the mid-19th century, the British expanded their tea production to India and Sri Lanka (then Ceylon), leading to the rise of Indian and Ceylon black teas. Today, black tea is an essential part of British culture, from the famous afternoon tea tradition to the casual "cuppa" enjoyed throughout the day. Tea became a symbol of British identity, especially during the Industrial Revolution when it became accessible to the working class. It was also a unifying element during the two World Wars, providing comfort in challenging times.