International Tea Day: Different Types of Teas From Around The World

Tea is a universally loved beverage. It is consumed at all times of the day and can even be concocted in various ways according to one’s palette. Different households have their way of making it and so do other countries. International Tea Day is celebrated by the UN on 21st May every year to commemorate the tea cultivating season worldwide.

This International Tea Day, take a look at different teas and their origination stories from around the world:

Green Tea: China

Green tea originated in China, in Yunnan province, in 2737 BC. They are made from non-oxidised tea leaves before they turn black. It has become a very prominent superfood today and is known to increase brain activity, and has fat-burning properties. It is always advised to drink green tea between meals and not on an empty stomach because of tannins in the tea, which can cause nausea and stomach pains.

Bubble Tea: Taiwan

Bubble Tea is a delicious frothy mix of tapioca seeds, black tea, milk and ice. It is available in different flavours and is liked by adults and kids alike. World Tea Day is the perfect opportunity for someone who hasn’t tried it to do so. It was discovered in the 1980s by a local tea shop in Taiwan. They decided to replicate the bubbles on the top of the drink by adding fluffy tapioca pearls at the bottom and giving it the name.

Rooibos: South Africa

Rooibos is also known as red tea or red bush tea. They are made by fermenting the leaves of a plant called ‘Aspalathus linearis’, which turns them red-brown. It is a fast-growing drink in the world of health because of its many benefits. It contains a ton of antioxidants, is caffeine-free and does not contain Oxalic acid. Other than these, it also helps with bone health and digestion. Like most teas, it can be consumed as is, or with milk and sugar, as an iced beverage, or even as a latte or cappuccino.

Chai: India

Chai is thought to have originated in the subcontinent about 5000 years ago when a king ordered a healing mixture made of herbs and spices to be used in Ayurveda. The addition of tea leaves was a rather new concept discovered by the British when they ruled over the country and started cultivating them. Today, it is a popular drink in Indian households, and it is consumed 2-3 times every day. Tea gifting is also very popular on special occasions in the country.

Maghrebi Mint Tea: Morocco

Morocco has a very dedicated tea making and drinking culture. The tradition of making and serving the tea here is called Atai and is done by male heads of the family through a recipe passed down through generations. It is generally made with sugar, spearmint leaves and perfumed with flowers or orange blossom water.

Cha Yen: Thailand

This iced tea recipe from Thailand is common street food in the country. It has a complex flavour from a mixture of black Ceylon tea, Orange Blossom Water, Cloves, Star Anise and crushed Tamarind seeds. It is brewed and later chilled. Before serving, coconut milk or whole milk is added to the chilled mix. Some people like to add condensed milk to elevate the sugary flavour and add creaminess.