International Tea Day: 8 Facts About Teas You Probably Didn't Know

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Credits: Unsplash

1. Tea is the Second Most Consumed Beverage in the World

Only water surpasses tea in global consumption. Every day, over 2 billion cups of tea are brewed worldwide.

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2. The Origins of Tea Date Back Over 5,000 Years

Legend has it that tea was discovered in 2737 BCE when Chinese Emperor Shen Nong accidentally boiled a wild tea leaf in his drinking water.

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3. All True Teas Come from One Plant

Whether it’s green, black, white, or oolong tea, they all originate from the Camellia sinensis plant.

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4. The Most Expensive Tea Costs Over $1 Million

Da-Hong Pao, a rare Chinese tea, is so precious that its leaves can sell for more than $1,400 per gram.

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5. Tea Can Change Colour Based on Acidity

Adding lemon juice to blue butterfly pea flower tea turns it a vibrant purple. This visual magic occurs due to changes in the tea's pH levels.

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6. The UK’s Tea Tradition Was Influenced by Portugal

While tea is synonymous with Britain, it was actually introduced by Portuguese princess Catherine of Braganza when she married King Charles II in the 17th century.

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7. Some Teas Are Fermented for Years

Pu-erh tea from China undergoes an aging process similar to wine. Some varieties are stored for decades, developing rich, complex flavours.

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8. India is One of the Largest Tea Producers in the World

India's famed tea regions, including Darjeeling, Assam, and Nilgiri, produce nearly 20% of the world’s tea.

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Which of these tea facts surprised you the most?