Tea time amongst friends | Different flavours to suit everyone’s palate

Tea, a beloved beverage for thousands of years, originated in ancient China, dating back to the Shang dynasty (1600-1046 BCE). Initially a medicinal drink, it grew in popularity, spreading from China to other regions. The tea plant, Camellia sinensis, native to East Asia, was first documented as a beverage in a 3rd-century AD Chinese medical text. Gaining popularity in 17th-century Britain, tea led to the establishment of commercial production in British India. In cultural traditions, like Japan’s tea ceremonies and India’s daily chai, tea has cemented its place as a key cultural element. Today, it stands as the world’s second most consumed beverage after water.

Tea has a significant social aspect, often used in formal meetings and discussions, including by politicians. It serves as a neutral ground for conversation, promoting a relaxed atmosphere conducive to dialogue. In many cultures, sharing tea symbolizes respect and hospitality, making it an ideal setting for important discussions. This tradition is evident in political and diplomatic meetings, where tea acts as a bridge-builder, fostering communication and understanding in a respectful and cordial environment.

Tea is a central part of culture in many countries, each with unique flavours:

• China: The birthplace of tea, known for varieties like green, black, oolong, and pu-erh.
• India: Famous for its strong, spiced chai and Assam and Darjeeling teas.
• Japan: Known for its green teas, especially matcha, used in traditional ceremonies.
• United Kingdom: Black tea blends like Earl Grey and English Breakfast are popular, often served with milk.
• Turkey: Turkish black tea is strong and often consumed throughout the day.
• Morocco: Moroccan mint tea, a green tea with mint, symbolizes hospitality.
• Sri Lanka: Ceylon tea, a bright, bold black tea.
• Russia: Russian Caravan and samovar tea, often black and smoky in flavor.

In each of these countries, tea is not just a beverage but a significant part of social and cultural rituals.

Types of tea and their flavors:

• Black Tea: Strong, bold, and often malty.
• Green Tea: Grassy, light, and sometimes slightly sweet.
• White Tea: Delicate, sweet, and subtle.
• Oolong Tea: Complex, can range from floral to smoky.
• Pu-erh Tea: Earthy, deep, and can be aged.
• Herbal Tea: Varies widely, often fruity or minty.

Each tea type has a distinct taste profile, influenced by processing methods and regions of cultivation.

• The world produced 6,455 million kgs of tea in 2021, a 50% increase from 2011.
• The U.S. tea market is growing, with a 4.3% increase in tea imports in 2022 compared to 2021.
• Black tea imports grew by 5.1%, while green tea imports dropped by 2% and organic tea imports decreased by about 40%.
• Tea consumption at home increased during COVID-19, but outside home consumption has declined post-COVID.
• Gen Zers and Millennials are likely to continue drinking tea at a higher rate.
• Consumers are increasingly looking for health and wellness benefits from their beverages, a demand that various teas can meet.

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These flavors range from traditional blends to herbal infusions, each offering unique taste profiles and health benefits.

• Peppermint and Lemon
• Chamomile and Lavender
• Ginger and Orange
• Cinnamon and Clove
• Bergamot and Lemon
• Cardamom and Orange
• Lemon and Ginger
• Spearmint and Lime
• Rosemary and Lemon
• Fennel and Lemon
• Basil and Lemon
• Thyme and Lemon
• Lemongrass and Ginger

• Eucalyptus and Lemon
• Grapefruit and Ginger
• Rose and Vanilla
• Jasmine and Green Tea
• Frankincense and Myrrh
• Sandalwood and Vanilla
• Ylang-Ylang and Orange
• Anise and Lemon
• Black Pepper and Lemon
• Vanilla and Cinnamon
• Lavender and Rose
• Neroli and Orange

• Strawberry Peppermint and Lemon
• Blueberry Chamomile and Lavender
• Raspberry Ginger and Orange
• Blackberry Cinnamon and Clove
• Pomegranate Bergamot and Lemon
• Mango Cardamom and Orange
• Kiwi Lemon and Ginger
• Pineapple Spearmint and Lime
• Watermelon Rosemary and Lemon
• Guava Fennel and Lemon
• Dragon Fruit Basil and Lemon
• Lychee Thyme and Lemon
• Papaya Lemongrass and Ginger

• Acai Eucalyptus and Lemon
• Passionfruit Grapefruit and Ginger
• Cherry Rose and Vanilla
• Peach Jasmine and Green Tea
• Apricot Frankincense and Myrrh
• Banana Sandalwood and Vanilla
• Fig Ylang-Ylang and Orange
• Plum Anise and Lemon
• Apple Black Pepper and Lemon
• Orange Vanilla and Cinnamon
• Pear Lavender and Rose
• Coconut Neroli and Orange