Steeped in Tradition: Celebrating International Tea Day

Celebrate International Tea Day on May 21st, recognizing tea's cultural heritage, health benefits, and economic importance worldwide. Discover unusual teas like Butter Tea, Kombucha, and Butterfly Pea Flower Tea, promoting sustainable production and fair trade practices."

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Tea, the world’s most popular drink after water, has been a unifying and hospitable beverage in many societies for thousands of years. With billions of cups consumed daily, tea plays a significant role globally, not just economically but culturally too. May 21st marks International Tea Day, as designated by the United Nations, highlighting tea’s value and significance worldwide.

Origins and Production

While the exact origins of tea are unknown, it is believed to have originated in northeast India, northern Myanmar, and southwest China. Evidence suggests that tea was consumed in China as far back as 5,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest beverages in the world. China produces nearly half of the world’s tea (48%), followed by India (20%), Kenya (8%), Turkiye (4%), and Sri Lanka (3%).

Global Consumption

According to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), world tea consumption reached 6.5 million tonnes in 2022, growing from previous years. China is the largest consumer of tea, accounting for 46% of global consumption, followed by India (18%), Turkiye, Pakistan, and Russia. However, tea consumption in Europe and North America has been declining due to increasing competition from other beverages.

Unusual Teas Around the World

To celebrate International Tea Day, let’s explore five unusual teas:

  • Butter Tea (Po Cha): A broth-like tea made with yak butter, black tea, and salt, traditionally consumed in Tibet and other Himalayan regions.
  • Kombucha: A fermented tea made using a jelly-like SCOBY (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast), popular in China, Japan, and Korea.
  • Butterfly Pea Flower Tea: A caffeine-free tea made from floral petals of the blue pea flower, known for its color-changing properties when lemon juice is added.
  • Baobab Leaf Tea: A mild herbal remedy and nutritional drink traditionally used in sub-Saharan Africa, with a mildly earthy or bitter taste.
  • Guava Leaf Tea: A tea made from guava tree leaves, said to have medicinal benefits in Philippine culture, with an earthy flavor.

These unique teas showcase the diversity and richness of tea culture around the world, highlighting the importance of sustainable production and fair trade practices in the tea industry. As we celebrate International Tea Day, let’s appreciate the cultural heritage and health benefits of tea, while promoting sustainable development and poverty reduction.

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