Happy Int’l Tea Day!

Grab your favourite mug and get ready for a delightful journey as we dive into the concept of International Tea Day, uncovering why tea is the reigning champion of beverages worldwide, exploring the history behind this special day, and uncovering the magical journey tea takes from the field to your cup. So let's steep ourselves in knowledge and raise a toast to the beloved elixir we call tea!

WTF Is International Tea Day

First things first: International Tea Day. Now, you might be wondering, "Do we really need a day dedicated to tea?" If you ask me, I would argue that every day should be dedicated to tea (and in my tea-biased life, it very much is).

International Tea Day, celebrated on May 21 every year, is all about recognizing and honoring the significant impact that tea has on our lives. It's a day to celebrate the cultural, economic, and medicinal contributions of tea, and let's not forget the undeniable pleasure it brings to our taste buds!

Now, let's spill the tea on why tea is such a global sensation. Picture this: around the world, people consume a whopping 2.16 billion cups of tea every single day! Next to water, tea is the most consumed beverage world-wide. That's right, billions of us are sipping on tea and enjoying its countless flavors and health benefits. Tea isn't just a beverage; it's a lifestyle, a social ritual, and an excuse to take a much-needed break from our hectic lives. Plus, with a variety of flavors like black, green, herbal, and fruity infusions, there's a tea for every palate and occasion.

Tea has a long and storied history, stretching back thousands of years. Legend has it that the discovery of tea dates back to ancient China when Emperor Shen Nong had a happy little accident. A tea leaf casually fell into his pot of boiling water, and voila! Tea was born. From that moment on, tea spread across Asia, captivating the hearts and taste buds of people far and wide.

International Tea Day itself is a relatively recent addition to our calendars. The United Nations designated May 21st as International Tea Day in 2019, recognizing the importance of tea as a sustainable and affordable agricultural product. It's a day to raise awareness about the challenges faced by tea producers, promote fair trade practices, and ensure the sustainability of the tea industry. So, as you sip your cuppa on this special day, take a moment to appreciate the incredible efforts that go into bringing tea to your table.

From Field to Cup

Harvesting tea in the field

But have you ever wondered how tea makes its way from lush fields to your cherished cup? Well, it's a journey filled with love, care, and a touch of magic. It all starts with tea plantations, where skilled farmers carefully cultivate and harvest the tea leaves. These leaves are then expertly processed, undergoing steps like withering, rolling, oxidizing (for black teas), and firing (for green teas). The artistry lies in preserving the unique characteristics of each tea variety while creating an aromatic and flavorful experience for us tea enthusiasts.

Once the leaves have been transformed into their desired form, they embark on a global adventure, making their way to tea houses, grocery store shelves, and cozy kitchens across the globe. From fragrant Earl Grey in England to refreshing iced tea in the United States, tea knows no boundaries and brings people together in a shared love for this incredible brew.

So here's to tea, the magical drink that warms our souls, sparks conversation, and adds a touch of elegance to our lives. Whether you prefer it steaming hot or chilled on ice, tea has a way of making every moment better. So go ahead, raise your cup high and savor that heavenly sip.

Cheers to tea, the beverage that never fails to lift our spirits and leave us steeped in bliss!

Learn more about International Tea Day on the United Nations ‘International Tea Day’ website.