Iran's Tea Industry: A Green Legacy from Lahijan to Fuman
The verdant tea fields from Lahijan to Fuman produce the lifeblood of Iranian social culture. Each leaf carries the fragrance of Iran’s highlands, symbolizing hospitality and the simple pleasure of sharing a warm cup with loved ones.
The tea industry in Iran, especially in the provinces of Gilan and Mazandaran, has a long and eventful history. Tea cultivation in Iran began in the late 19th century and flourished in the north of the country thanks to the efforts of Kashf al-Saltaneh. Today, tea is one of the most important agricultural products in Iran and plays a significant role in the economy and culture of these regions.
A Rich History:
Beginning of tea cultivation: The first tea garden was planted in Lahijan in 1280, and gradually tea cultivation expanded in the northern regions of the country.
Establishment of the first factory: In 1311, the first tea factory was established in Iran, and the country's tea industry entered a new phase.
Peak production: In the 1990s, tea production in Iran reached its peak and met a significant portion of the country's domestic needs.
Tea in the World:
Tea, as one of the world's most popular beverages, is cultivated in many countries. China, as the original home of tea, is still the largest tea producer in the world. Iran, despite its significant tea production, ranks fifteenth among tea-producing countries.
Importance of the Tea Industry in Iran:
Economic: The tea industry is a source of income for many farmers and workers and plays an important role in the economy of the northern regions of the country.
Social: Tea is an integral part of Iranian culture and customs and is used in many ceremonies and occasions.
Environmental: Tea cultivation helps preserve the environment and biodiversity of the northern regions of the country.
Challenges and Opportunities:
The tea industry in Iran faces challenges such as competition with foreign teas, changing consumption patterns, and climatic problems. However, there are also many opportunities for the development of this industry, including increasing the production of organic tea, developing tea processing, and producing a variety of tea products.
