20 Interesting Facts About Tea That You May Not Know

Tea is one of the most famous drinks in the world. In fact, many of us enjoy tea daily. The beverage is a mark of status or a part of daily rituals in several countries. What’s more, tea has huge health benefits when it comes to keeping your depression and stress hormones at bay and leveling your blood sugar. While no one is sure of the origin of tea, some people think that it began out as a health tonic in ancient China. Here are some more interesting facts about tea that you may not be aware of.

Tea Consumption

The eastern world has been consuming tea for 5,000 years. The west has only been consuming tea for 400 years.

National Drink

Tea is the national drink in Afghanistan and Iran.

Tea Bags

Tea bags were invented in the United States in 1904. A few purists think this the worst invention ever.

Currency

Until the 1800’s, solid blocks of tea were used as currency in Siberia.

​Lipton

Lipton is the best selling tea brand in the world.

​South Carolina

South Carolina is the only state in the United States with a major tea plantation.

Tannic Acid

The tannic acid in black tea can help treat warts.

Tea Varieties

There are 1,500 different varieties of tea.

Iced Tea

In the United States, 85% of the tea consumed is iced tea.

Widely Ingested Beverage

Tea is the most widely ingested beverage in the world, next to water.

China

China is the largest producer of tea in the world.

Tannins

The tannins in tea can help clot blood.

Mountainous Tropical Regions

A lot of tea is grown in mountainous tropical regions.

Red Tea

In China, black tea is known as red tea.

Ritz Carlton, Hong Kong

The most expensive high tea meal in the world is found at the Ritz Carlton in Hong Kong. It costs $9,000 per couple.

Black Tea

Black tea accounts for about 75% of tea consumption worldwide.

Rain

Tea plants require 50 inches of rain every year.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom drinks approximately 165 million cups of tea every day.

Tea Plant

It takes 4 to 12 years for a tea plant to bear seed and it takes an additional three years before a plant is ready to harvest.

Tea Leaves

One pound of tea leaves provides more than 200 cups of tea.