Tea is an incredible beverage made from the Tea plant (Camellia Sinensis). After water, it is the most consumed drink on the globe! Almost every nation has tea drinkers because of its cultural significance in many societies. With the increase in the population, the number of tea consumers is increasing globally. Tea is extremely popular in India, China, the United Kingdom, and Turkey. However, India, China, Sri Lanka, and Kenya account for the world’s largest tea producers and exporters.
Tea has a rich history and has been with us for a long time. It is said that Emperor Shen Hung discovered tea when leaves from a tree blew into his boiling water pot accidentally and this event happened in ancient China nearly 5,000 years ago. People in China and across the world have been drinking this amazing beverage ever since. On this day, tea producers and teahouses host tea tasting and tea party events to celebrate and educate people about the importance of this beverage.
Interesting Facts You Should Know About Tea
- Tea is the most preferred beverage among millions of people in the world. The global per capita consumption of tea is 35.2 liters. People consume 25,000 cups of tea every second which is equal to approx 2.16 billion cups of tea per day!
- India is the second-largest producer and fourth-largest exporter of tea in the world!
- Assam is the largest tea-producing state in India!
- India produces all the major types of teas like green, black, oolong, biodynamic, instant and white, and tea!
- India is the world’s largest producer and consumer of black tea!
- Around 3,000 different types of tea exist on the planet!
- Tea has more caffeine than coffee!
- Tea was so valuable in the 18th century that people used to keep it in a locked chest (tea caddy)!
- As per many various types of research, it was found that regular tea drinkers were less likely to die prematurely!
International Tea Day Theme
21st May 2022 is the third International Tea Day. This year, the theme is “Tea and Fair Trade”. The primary purpose of this theme is to promote the economical values of tea, especially in its growing areas. These tea-producing areas are poverty-ridden and tea fair trade will not only improve their resources but also expose their product to the international market. This will be helpful in the eradication of their poverty.
The International Tea Day is observed on May 21 annually to create awareness about fair tea trade, a safe working environment for the tea workers, and a sustainable habitat to improve tea production. Additionally, Tea Day is observed on 21 May because during this time of the year tea production begins in multiple countries. The first International Tea Day was celebrated in 2005 in Delhi, India. But, the Indian government proposed the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in 2015 to celebrate Tea Day globally.
Significance of International Tea Day
- In developing and least developed countries, tea cultivation, and processing is the major source of livelihood among millions of poor people.
- As tea cultivation and production is labor-intensive, it employs people who live in remote and economically weaker areas.
- The tea industry is the primary source of income and export revenues in some poorest countries like- Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Kenya.
- Tea can play a significant role in poverty eradication, rural development, and food security in developing countries because it is one of the most important cash crops.
Health Benefits of Tea
Besides the excellent flavor, tea holds many health benefits. These benefits are:
- Rich in antioxidants
- Reduces risk of heart attack
- Contains anti-inflammatory properties
- Aids with weight loss
- Protects the bones
- Boosts the immune system
- Makes the body more relaxed
International Tea Day Goals
- Tea production and processing focus and contribute to the lowering of extreme poverty.
- Fight against hunger
- Women empowerment
- Terrestrial ecosystem sustainability
- Sustainable livelihoods and rural development
- Improving the tea value for international sustainable development (2030 Agenda).
Conclusion
Tea production is highly sensitive to changes in growing conditions. Tea can only be cultivated in particularly defined geographical areas. Hence, few countries are suitable for tea cultivation. But many of these countries are impacted by climate change.
Temperature change, drought, and rainfall are already affecting tea yields, quality, and prices, thus lowering the incomes of rural livelihoods.
Therefore, tea-producing countries should come together to face climate change impacts and adopt advanced tea-producing technology with their national tea development strategies.
