10 Interesting Facts About Tea

 

Tea has brought joy and warmth to people for over five thousand years after being discovered in China. It can be made quickly on the go or even prepared ceremoniously. There are so many varieties that one could never run out of options for what to sip on on any given day. Here are ten interesting facts about tea that I have learned over the years, to celebrate its' beauty. 

Tea was initially chewed on for its detoxifying properties, rather than being consumed as a liquid after its discovery. According to Chinese folklore, the beverage form of tea emerged through leaves from bushes that blew into the water that some servants were boiling for their emperor, Shen Nong. The servants did not notice the leaves; however, the emperor did, and thus the origins of tea emerged.

It is surprising how many tea variants there are when they all come from the same plant and how the simple treating and harvesting process results in the different types.

Green tea has fantastic healing properties and can even reduce the risk of heart disease, modulate blood sugar levels, and ease a sore throat. It has also been shown to aid in weight loss.

 The tea bag was invented in the 20th century in the United States of America, however, true tea lovers are actually against it.

China, Sri Lanka, and Kenya are the world's largest exporters of tea.

Tea has more than one use as it can also be used for dyeing fabric, cleaning floors and seasoning meat.

Darjeeling is one of the most expensive Indian teas, grown at the foot of the Himalayas. It is known as the "Champagne of teas."

Tea is actually the second most consumed beverage in the world.

There are approximately 1500 different varieties of tea.

Earl Grey tea is flavoured with Bergamot, an orange extract.

There are many different ways to indulge in a cup of tea, and there is a type of tea for every person. You just need to find it.