International Tea Day is not just a reason to enjoy the aromatic drink, but also a day to think about its cultural, economic, and environmental significance. Let's figure out why tea deserves its own holiday and what interesting facts about it are worth knowing!

Why May 21?
International Tea Day was officially established by the UN in 2019. The date was chosen for a reason — at this time, tea harvesting begins in the largest producing countries, such as India, China, and Sri Lanka. The holiday reminds us not only of the taste and benefits of tea, but also of the millions of people employed in the tea industry — from farmers to sellers.

Interesting facts about tea that will surprise even an avid tea lover:

1. Tea is the second most popular drink in the world
After water, of course! It is drunk in more than 160 countries. Every day, about 3 billion cups of tea are drunk in the world.

2. The birthplace of tea is China
According to legend, tea was discovered by the Chinese emperor Shen Nong around 2737 BC, when a leaf of a wild tea tree accidentally fell into a cup of boiling water.

3. All types of tea are from one plant
Black, green, white, oolong and pu-erh are all leaves of the same plant Camellia sinensis. The difference is in the processing methods.

4. In Britain - tea obsession
The British drink an average of 100 million cups of tea a day. Although tea traditions came from China and India, the British made "five o'clock tea" a real culture.

5. In Tibet - tea with yak butter
There, they prefer not the classic loose leaf tea, but a special salted tea with the addition of yak butter. It is filling, warm and helps in the mountains.

6. The most expensive tea is made from excrement (!)
In China, there is a special tea fertilized with panda excrement. Its cost can reach $35,000 for 500 grams. It is claimed that it has unique beneficial properties.

7. Tea bags appeared by accident
At the beginning of the 20th century, American merchant Thomas Sullivan began sending samples of tea in small silk bags. Customers did not open the bags and brewed them directly - this is how the idea of ​​​​tea bags was born.

How can you celebrate Tea Day?
Brew an unusual variety that you have not tried yet - for example, matcha or oolong.

Have a home tea ceremony.

Read about tea culture in different countries.

Buy tea from a local or ethical producer, supporting fair trade.

Tea is more than just a drink. It's a reason to meet, a source of inspiration, a philosophy, and even a whole culture. So May 21 is the perfect day to stop for a minute, inhale the aroma of your favorite tea, and say thank you!

What tea is in your cup today? 🍵