<P> Since the eighteenth century , the United Kingdom has been one of the world 's greatest tea consumers , with an average annual per capita tea supply of 1.9 kg ( 4.18 lbs ) . The British Empire was instrumental in spreading tea from China to India ; British interests controlled tea production in the subcontinent . Tea , which was an upper - class drink in mainland Europe , became the infusion of every social class in Great Britain throughout the course of the eighteenth century and has remained so . Tea is a prominent feature of British culture and society . </P>
<P> Since the eighteenth century , the United Kingdom has been one of the world 's greatest tea consumers , with an average annual per capita tea supply of 1.9 kg ( 4.18 lbs ) . The British Empire was instrumental in spreading tea from China to India ; British interests controlled tea production in the subcontinent . Tea , which was an upper - class drink in mainland Europe , became the infusion of every social class in Great Britain throughout the course of the eighteenth century and has remained so . Tea is a prominent feature of British culture and society . </P>
where did tea come from in the british empire
where did tea come from in the british empire
China
China