International Tea Day: Did you know tea is second most consumed drink in world, after water? Know more facts
PTC Web Desk: Every year on May 21, tea lovers across the globe raise their cups to celebrate International Tea Day. What may seem like a simple beverage has a rich, aromatic history that spans centuries and continents. From imperial courts to quiet kitchen tables, tea has brewed its way into human culture, rituals, and economies — becoming more than just a drink, but a global connector.
The story of tea begins in ancient China, nearly 5,000 years ago. Legend has it that Emperor Shen Nong accidentally discovered tea in 2737 BCE when tea leaves from a nearby bush blew into a pot of boiling water. Intrigued by the flavour and invigorating effect, he began promoting it as a medicinal drink. Whether myth or reality, the Chinese quickly embraced tea, and it became deeply embedded in their traditions and medicine.
From there, tea travelled along the Silk Road to Central Asia, and eventually found its way to Japan, where it was embraced not just as a beverage but a spiritual experience. The Japanese tea ceremony, still practiced today, reflects discipline, harmony, and mindfulness.
Tea’s journey westward truly took off during the 17th century, when European explorers and traders brought it back from Asia. Britain, in particular, fell in love with tea. It quickly became a symbol of sophistication and even revolution — remember the Boston Tea Party of 1773, a turning point in American history? That act of protest over British taxation on tea showed how deeply this beverage had steeped itself into politics and identity.
International Tea Day was officially recognised by the United Nations in 2019 to highlight tea's cultural, economic, and social significance. It aims to promote sustainable production and equitable trade practices, especially for tea farmers in developing countries.
But beyond its history, tea hides some fascinating secrets.
(1) Did you know that tea is the second most consumed drink in the world, after water? Or that all traditional tea types — black, green, white, oolong, and pu-erh — come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis? The difference lies in how the leaves are processed.
(2) Also, while most associate tea with hot cups and chilly evenings, iced tea was actually invented by accident at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. A merchant, struggling to sell hot tea in the sweltering heat, poured it over ice — and created an American staple.
(3) In Turkey, tea is a national obsession. Despite not being a traditional tea-growing country, Turkey now ranks among the top consumers per capita. Their strong, dark brew served in tulip-shaped glasses is more than a drink — it’s hospitality in liquid form.
As we celebrate International Tea Day, perhaps the real beauty of tea lies in its simplicity and universality. Whether it's a solitary moment of calm or a shared cup between friends, tea remains a symbol of warmth, connection, and tradition.
So today, wherever you are, take a moment to pause, pour, and appreciate this ancient drink that continues to unite the world — one sip at a time.
- With inputs from agencies
